Famine, Affluence, and Morality

Starred review from October 1, 2015

In an enormously influential 1972 article, which is included in this short book and shares its title, Singer (bioethics, Princeton Univ.; Animal Liberation) argues that people have a strong moral obligation to donate large parts of their wealth to aid the poor throughout the world. The article asks readers to consider a person who refused to rescue a small child, drowning in a pond, because doing so would ruin his suit. If that person acted wrongly, are we not also wrong, he posits, to refuse to donate money to help the poor? Pressing the argument further makes our obligation to aid others much more demanding. Many philosophers were inclined to resist Singer's claims, seeking to find a flaw in his argument; but in the years since the article appeared, others have concluded he was right. A number of people have made substantial sacrifices along the lines Singer suggested, and the "effective altruism" movement has gained increased attention. Bill and Melinda Gates, who are among Singer's supporters, contribute a foreword to the book. Two supplementary pieces refine the argument and provide additional points on how to relieve poverty. VERDICT Bound to attract great attention, not only among philosophers but among everyone interested in public affairs.--David Gordon, Bowling Green State Univ., OH

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