In Famine, Affluence, And Morality, Peter Singer Argues

In Famine, Affluence, and Morality, Peter Singer argues for the utilitarian system of ethics. To thoroughly understand this system, one must first accept the notion that the individual has a moral obligation to prevent something bad from happening if it is in their power to do so. For Singer, there is no inherently good moral compass one must strictly abide by. Actions that are considered good or bad differ based on the situation in question. Contrarily, Immanuel Kant asserts that there is intrinsic good in the world in Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Kant calls this phenomenon the â€Å"good will† (527) and claims that this will is always good, even if acting upon it does not result in any positive outcomes. The argument that he makes†¦show more content†¦We are equally morally obligated to help both without discriminating against either. Utilitarian ethics state that a course of action should be taken by considering the most positive outcome. This system of ethics argues that while some actions are not naturally good, they should be taken if the result of the action is positive. Singer believes that we must give maximally if we don’t want to sacrifice anything of equal moral importance. Singer believes that our system of how we judge what is moral needs to be fixed when he writes of â€Å"our moral conceptual scheme—[which] needs to be altered, and with it, the way of life that has come to be taken for granted in our society† (518). When we apply the utilitarian system of ethics to the real world, perhaps we find it hard to accept the argument of geographic removal Singer writes about (520). Singer claims that it makes no difference if one helps their neighbor or someone who is thousands of miles away. While humans are naturally more inclined to help those faces they are familiar with, morally it makes sense that good will be regarded as good, no matter where it is. In his work, Kant introduces the concept of duties and specific applications of inherent good will. He identifies three logical statements, the first of which is that actions are truly good when they are undertaken for the sake of duty alone. This means that those who offer help or solutio n to an ethical dilemma do not do so out of empathy, but for theShow MoreRelatedI.Introduction. Famine Is A Highly Prevalent And Debated1106 Words   |  5 PagesI. Introduction Famine is a highly prevalent and debated topic. Written in November 1971, Peter Singer’s â€Å"Famine, Affluence, and Morality† addresses famine as a moral issue. Peter Singer, as a Professor of Bioethics at Princeton University, focuses on ethics and moral values, and with his text, I will analyze this moral dilemma and show that the reasonable and well-thought Peter Singer’s argument is successful. II. Peter Singer’s Argument Peter Singer begins by laying out two basic premises: 1.Read MoreThe Problem of Poverty in Famine, Affluence, and Morality by Peter Singer1112 Words   |  5 Pages Peter Singer is often regarded as one of the most productive and influential philosophers of modern times. He is well-known for his discussions of the acute social, economic, and political issues, including poverty and famines. In his â€Å"Famine, Affluence, and Morality†, Singer (1972) discusses the problem of poverty and hunger, as well as the way this problem is treated in the developed world. 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Singer would not agree to this individual s statement because Singer’s principlesRead MorePeter Singer And John Arthur s Views On Famine And Affluence1451 Words   |  6 PagesPeter Singer and John Arthur’s views on Famine and Affluence All living things need four basic elements for survival: food, water, shelter, and fire. There are portions of the world that have difficulty finding some or all of these four basic elements for survival. The United States is the top affluent country in the world, which often creates issues regarding morality. America is known as the â€Å"land of opportunities† where someone could attain a job to afford housing, food, warmth, andRead MorePeter Singers Argument in Famine, Affluence and Morality1500 Words   |  6 PagesThis paper explores Peter Singer’s argument, in Famine, Affluence, and Morality, that we have morally required obligations to those in need. The explanation of his argument and conclusion, if accepted, would dictate changes to our lifestyle as well as our conceptions of duty and charity, and would be particularly demanding of the affluent. In response to the central case presented by Singer, John Kekes offers his version, which he labels the and points out some objections. Revisions of the principle