Two Of The Head-To-Head Debates We Encountered

Two Of the More Head To Head Debates That We Encountered In The Secon

Two of the more head-to-head debates that we encountered in the second half of this class were between Singer and Narveson on poverty and between Thomson and Marquis on abortion. Pick one of these two debates and discuss which position you think is rationally superior. Whichever issue you choose, describe each position in detail and weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each. Be clear and give good reasons for the claims you make. Give arguments, if possible.

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Two Of the More Head To Head Debates That We Encountered In The Secon

Among the significant debates encountered in ethical philosophy, the discussion between Peter Singer and Ross Narveson on issues of poverty presents a compelling exploration of moral obligations and individual rights. Singer advocates for a robust moral duty to aid those in extreme poverty, emphasizing the importance of alleviating suffering whenever possible. Conversely, Narveson emphasizes individual liberty and skepticism about mandatory aid, warning against infringing on personal freedoms. This essay critically examines each position, analyzing their benefits and drawbacks to evaluate which stance is rationally superior.

Overview of Singer's Position

Peter Singer's position on poverty is grounded in utilitarian principles, which prioritize the greatest good for the greatest number. He argues that individuals in affluent societies have a moral obligation to donate significant portions of their wealth to alleviate extreme suffering in poorer nations. Singer makes a compelling analogy, comparing neglecting starving children to allowing a child to drown in a shallow pond when one can save them without significant sacrifice. He asserts that distance, nationality, or social status should not diminish our moral responsibilities. For Singer, the moral obligation is clear: if we can prevent suffering without sacrificing anything of comparable moral importance, we ought to do so.

The benefits of Singer’s stance are evident in its moral clarity and emphasis on global justice. It underscores the interconnectedness of humanity and encourages altruistic behavior. Implementing such a stance could significantly reduce worldwide poverty, suffering, and death. Critics argue, however, that Singer’s demands are overly demanding and ignore practical constraints, such as personal needs, economic stability, or the potential for dependence on aid.

Overview of Narveson’s Position

Ross Narveson's perspective emphasizes individual liberty, voluntary aid, and skepticism toward moral obligations that infringe on personal freedom. He contends that moral duties are rooted in voluntary actions, not in coercive obligations. According to Narveson, compelling individuals to donate wealth beyond their needs violates their rights to control their resources. He argues that moral motivation should stem from personal relationships, compassion, or voluntary charity, rather than enforced obligations.

One of the advantages of Narveson’s view is the respect it grants to individual autonomy and the importance of voluntary generosity. It avoids the moral oversimplification of duties and recognizes complex social and personal constraints. Nonetheless, critics say this stance can foster complacency, allowing affluent individuals to turn a blind eye to global suffering. It also potentially undermines the collective effort needed to address systemic poverty, relying excessively on voluntary acts that may be insufficient in scale.

Evaluation and Comparison

When evaluating these positions, it is essential to consider their moral grounding and practical implications. Singer's stance promotes a duty-based model that could lead to meaningful reductions in global suffering if widely adopted. It aligns with a moral obligation rooted in empathy and justice, emphasizing that wealth creates a moral responsibility to act. Critics might argue that demanding such sacrifices from individuals could lead to burnout or resentment, and may be ultimately unrealistic in contemporary societies.

Narveson’s framework respects individual rights and voluntary action, which are central principles in liberal political philosophy. It champions personal freedom and warns against paternalism or coercion. However, this approach may be insufficient for tackling widespread global poverty, as it depends on individuals’ willingness to act, which may be limited or inconsistent. It also risks enabling inaction, as the moral onus remains on voluntary aid rather than systemic solutions.

From a rational standpoint, Singer’s position appears more compelling in advocating for a moral obligation that can produce tangible benefits if embraced collectively. Its emphasis on duty rather than voluntarism bridges moral theory and practical action, fostering a sense of moral urgency. Nonetheless, the practical challenges and potential overreach mean it must be balanced with considerations of personal rights and societal constraints.

Conclusion

In conclusion, evaluating the moral philosophies of Singer and Narveson reveals that Singer’s utilitarian, duty-based stance on alleviating global poverty is rationally superior in principle. It urges proactive moral responsibility and aligns with the ethical imperative to reduce suffering, provided that the demands are reasonable and balanced against individual rights. While respecting personal liberty is crucial, addressing pressing global issues such as poverty necessitates a moral framework that encourages collective action rooted in duty and justice. Therefore, adopting Singer’s approach—with prudent limits—seems the most rational pathway toward moral progress in addressing global poverty.

References

• Singer, P. (1972). "Famine, Affluence, and Morality." Philosophy & Public Affairs, 1(3), 229-243.
• Narveson, R. (1986). "The Libertarian View of Morality." Social Philosophy & Policy, 3(2), 150-161.
• Singer, P. (2011). Practical Ethics. Cambridge University Press.
• Nussbaum, M. (2000). Women's Capability and Social Justice. Oxford University Press.
• MacIntyre, A. (1981). After Virtue. University of Notre Dame Press.
• Williams, B. (1973). Morality: An Introduction to Ethics. Cambridge University Press.
• Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Hackett Publishing.
• Rawls, J. (1971). A Theory of Justice. Harvard University Press.
• Aristotle. (4th century BCE). Nicomachean Ethics. Harvard University Press.
• Nozick, R. (1974). Anarchy, State, and Utopia. Basic Books.