More Philosophy (Moral Egoism or Altruism)

Homeless - Is it our responsibility to act?

I mentioned recently that Moral dilemmas are all around us (when we recognise this) and this can make us think (and perhaps even act) -CityLit course is currently reminding me of this.


Well Ayn Rand  (and her Objectivism) was always going to be a challenge to relate to - partly I think because of her persona but also as a result of those who choose to be associated with her (not hip and groovy).

Part of my interest in the Moral Philosophy topic stems from a little knowledge of George W Price an American scientist who arrived at mathematical formula for human Altruism - Price took his own wife in London having moved to the UK as well as from Atheism to Christianity
Price  having given his worldly good to the poor was still not content.

Price was unsure where his 'Charity' stemmed from but left  moving note which was found near his body - here's more of his story.

For the next session we're looking at Peter Singer - I've read an article by him 'Famine Affluence and Morality' -The argument he makes  is it  seems pretty difficult to argue against on Moral grounds  (he says we should help those starving around the world up to a point where we too get close to their own deprivation).

If you listen and watch  Singer he may seem almost saintly but there's logic there too.

The question we need to ask ourselves then is why we don't do this - is human nature in fact in the vast majority of us to consider ourselves and those immediately around us more important than strangers half way around the world?

I think there is a 'natural' inclination to be more concerned with those around us than people we don't know - this is perhaps possible to accept but we're not that kind/fair to those who are around us (and sometimes members of our own family).

How can we resolve this - I don't think that too many are as saintly as Peter Singer (watch him here) - I guess part of the issue is how modern life has alienated us from our community.

How much do we care for others?