Famine, Affluence, and Morality

Bill and Melinda Gates wrote the foreword to the Oxford University Press edition of the book in which this essay was reprinted. The Gates Foundation is one of the world’s largest charities. Still, they live in luxury unimaginable to most of us. Singer advocates donating to the point of “marginal utility,” which is when giving more would adversely affect one’s own life. The Gateses have clearly not done so. Should they? Is it easier for the wealthy to donate money and do they have more of a responsibility to do so? Why or why not?

Singer focuses on what individuals should do to alleviate suffering, mostly ignoring governments. Do you think this is the right approach? Is a solution to suffering in the world best achieved through private donations or coordinated government efforts? Would it be better for people to work politically to get government to step up and do more? Why or why not?

Singer’s essay doesn’t mention the United Nations. What role should the UN play in alleviating suffering? Research UN charitable efforts for your answer.

Singer’s idea of giving away money to help others to the point of “marginal utility” leaves no margin for error or emergencies, but life is full of unexpected events that can affect us adversely. Is Singer’s approach too theoretical and not practical enough to apply to real life? How do you think Singer would respond?

In recent years, Singer has focused on effective altruism, or the ways that giving can have the greatest effect. One part of this is giving to organizations that can be trusted to use the greatest share for direct aid. Does this middle-man approach transform Singer’s charity and obligation continuum? Why or why not?

Singer claims that one’s local area should not get preference in where to direct donations. What are the pros and cons of ignoring geography when deciding about giving?

Singer is in favor of “no-strings-attached aid” (25)—donating money without having a say about how it’s spent. However, this approach doesn’t take into account waste, corruption, and dependence. What role would they play if aid is given without conditions? Why does Singer ignore this reality?

Examine Singer’s direct, straightforward prose style. What is its rhetorical effect? Is it more or less persuasive than a more academic register would be? More or less persuasive than an argument more directed at emotion? Explain why or why not, using examples from the text.