Read The Life You Can Save
Read the Life You Can Savelinks To An External Sitelinks To An Exter
Read The Life You Can Save (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. Chapters 6 and 7. Then, write a 1-2 page double-spaced summary of it. You can really organize it however you want, as long as you cover the main points of both chapters. This is a summary, not a persuasive essay, so you do not need a thesis.
However, your summary should mention the title and author of the book at the beginning so readers know your subject. See a sample reading summary here. You can reflect on your opinions about the book and the author's ideas, but make sure you first adequately summarize the author's points. The summary should be at least 80% summary and no more than 20% personal opinion. Don't overthink this assignment; its main goal is to show me you read the material.
Paper For Above instruction
Silvia R. Conroy
Summary of Chapters 6 and 7 of "The Life You Can Save"
In chapters 6 and 7 of "The Life You Can Save," Peter Singer delves deeper into the ethical obligations of affluent individuals to assist those in extreme poverty and explores the practical considerations of giving. Singer emphasizes that morality demands more than mere feelings of pity; it requires active intervention. He argues that donating a significant portion of one's wealth to effective charities is not just a charitable act but a moral duty, especially considering the immense disparity between the rich and the poor globally.
Chapter 6, titled "The Moral Significance of Distance," addresses the common objection that distant suffering does not morally obligate individuals as much as immediate suffering does. Singer refutes this by asserting that geographical distance should not diminish one's responsibility to aid others. He presents the idea that the capacity to help is often greater than the actual effort required, highlighting that affluent individuals are often in the position to make substantial impacts with minimal sacrifice. Singer also discusses the concept of moral distance, arguing that traditional boundaries of community or nationality should not restrict moral concern, especially when the suffering can be alleviated through effective intervention.
In Chapter 7, "The Source of Our Obligation," Singer explores the philosophical underpinnings of moral duty in giving. He discusses whether moral obligation stems from personal virtue or from a sense of justice and fairness. Singer advocates for the view that aiding those in extreme poverty is a matter of justice rather than charity, framing it as an obligation rooted in global justice principles. He emphasizes that affluent individuals are morally complicit in preventable suffering and that their obligation is comparable to the duty of a bystander who prevents harm when they are able. Singer challenges readers to reconsider the common distinction between duty and charity, asserting that the former should be the guiding principle in giving.
Throughout these chapters, Singer consistently underscores that effective giving is both a moral imperative and practically achievable. He advocates for a shift in perspective where aid becomes a moral obligation rather than an act of generosity. The chapters collectively push readers to recognize the ethical significance of their actions and promote a global sense of justice that bridges geographical and social distances.
In conclusion, chapters 6 and 7 of "The Life You Can Save" reinforce the importance of confronting the global inequalities and adopting a moral stance that compels individuals to act responsibly. Singer’s arguments challenge readers to view effective aid as a duty rooted in justice, urging a transition from incidental charity to moral necessity in addressing extreme poverty.
References
Singer, P. (2009). The Life You Can Save: Acting Now to End World Poverty. Random House.