“A” pointed me out to this article by Peter Singer. I’d link “A” here, but she doesnt have a blog, website, etc. The article describes some moral ponderings, not at all unlike the standard examples from Professor Sandel’s Justice class here at Harvard. Does Bob divert a train to save a child at the expense of a new Bugatti he saved up years for?
The difference is the extension to charity? Do you skip an expensive dinner ($200) so that you can help one malnourished child become healthy? When do you stop? At $1000? At one-fifth of your income? Or do you wait until you’re a billionaire and then make headlines by donating all of your money?
I agree with many of Singer’s points, but I think it takes a rather one-sided view of the entire situation. Won’t Bob’s incentive to work extra or harder be diminished if he knows all the money is going to charity? Does throwing money at charities really solve the original problem? What do you think?
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The argument is 1-sided and appears problematic from an incentives standpoint. Or is it just a vision issue? (Or do I have socialist/communist tendencies?) What do you think is (are) the solution (s)? What should people work towards? Should everyone do it as they see fit?
Comment by "A" — February 17, 2009 @ 11:49 PM
Of course, it’s normal to have some “socialist” tendencies – after all, our government is far from purely capitalistic. For example, welfare, Medicare, and those HUGE government bailouts. I think each person really has to weigh it out for themselves. On one hand, you have morals, ethics, compassion, and sense of righteousness. On the other hand, I think the world is approaching a zero-sum game: by giving money to someone else, you are decreasing your own net worth and well-being relative to both the person you are helping and the people are not donating to charity.
I’ll still donate to charities that I feel are a good cause (not that I have lots of disposable income), but it leads me to question whether I truly donate out of goodwill, or if I donate to look good or make myself feel better.
Comment by darrenhe — February 17, 2009 @ 11:57 PM