Aid Scepticism and Effective Altruism
Journal of Practical Ethics, Volume 7, Number 1, June 2019
12 Pages Posted: 2 Jul 2019
Date Written: June 30, 2019
Abstract
In the article, ‘Being Good in a World of Need: Some Empirical Worries and an Uncomfortable Philosophical Possibility,’ Larry Temkin presents some concerns about the possible impact of international aid on the poorest people in the world, suggesting that the nature of the duties of beneficence of the global rich to the global poor are much more murky than some people have made out.
In this article, I’ll respond to Temkin from the perspective of effective altruism — one of the targets he attacks. I’ll argue that Temkin’s critique has little empirical justification, given the conclusions he wants to reach, and is therefore impotent.
Keywords: Effective Altruism, Ethics, Philosophy
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation