Ch.21 RS-13
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Dec 6, 2023
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Rodriguez
"World Hunger and Moral Obligation: The Case Against Singer" by John Arthur (starting
on page 798)
In the section, John Arthur critically examines Peter Singer's ethical arguments
concerning world hunger and our moral obligations. Arthur argues that Singer's approach
overlooks the importance of rights and desert in ethical considerations. He asserts that
individuals have certain rights, including the right to property and the fruits of their labor, which
should not be unconditionally overridden by a moral obligation to address global poverty.
According to Arthur, while it is morally praiseworthy to help those in need, individuals also have
a moral right to pursue their own interests and goals. Moreover, the author introduces the concept
of desert, which relates to the idea of deservingness. Arthur questions whether individuals who
have worked hard and earned their wealth are morally obligated to give away significant portions
of their income. He argues that the notion of desert is crucial in determining moral obligations, as
it recognizes that individuals should be able to enjoy the benefits of their own efforts and
achievements.
Arthur further contends that focusing solely on individual moral obligations neglects the
role of collective responsibility. While individuals have moral obligations to contribute to
addressing world hunger, governments and institutions also bear responsibility for implementing
policies and structures that address global poverty and ensure a just distribution of resources.
John critique of Peter Singer's arguments on world hunger and moral obligations incorporates the
concepts of rights and desert. He emphasizes that individuals have rights that should not be
unconditionally overridden, and that desert plays a role in determining moral obligations. Arthur
also underscores the importance of collective responsibility in addressing global poverty.
Resources
Vaughn, Lewis. Doing Ethics: Moral Reasoning, Theory, and Contemporary Issues. Sixth
ed., W. W. Norton & Company, 2022.
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