Description
Book Synopsis
In 1972, Peter Singer published Famine, Affluence and Morality, which rapidly became one of the most widely discussed essays in applied ethics. Through this article, Singer presents his view that we have the same moral obligations to those far away as we do to those close to us. He argues that choosing not to send life saving money to starving people on the other side of the earth is the moral equivalent of neglecting to save drowning children because we prefer not to muddy our shoes. If we can help, we must-and any excuse is hypocrisy. Singer''s extreme stand on the standard of giving has become a powerful topic of discussion in modern philosophy and continues to challenge people''s attitudes towards extreme poverty.As Bill and Melinda Gates observe in their foreword, Singer''s essay is as relevant today as it ever was. This short edition provides a valuable collection of the original article, two of Singer''s more popular writings on our obligations to those in poverty and a new introduction by Singer that advances the topic with his current thinking.
Trade Review
the arguments in Singer's short book are worth reviewing because they pose interesting questions about who we are and what we do - and perhaps especially so for health professionals who might think they already do a great deal for humanity. * Richard Horton, The Lancet *
Famine, Affluence and Morality, by a world renowned philosopher, is a must read, particularly for students and scholars of philosophy, sociology, and politics interested in world affairs, poverty and social justice. * International Dialogue, A Multidisciplinary Journal of World Affairs *
Table of Contents
Foreword: Bill and Melinda Gates ; Preface: Peter Singer ; Acknowledgments ; Famine, Affluence, and Morality ; The Singer Solution to World Poverty ; What Should a Billionaire Give - and What Should You? ; Index
