The Peter Singer Argument

The underlying goal of philosophy is to help humans seek the ultimate truth to the questions that orbit their knowledge for the meaning of existence. One question that many philosophers are challenging themselves to answer would be that of just how far individuals should go in order to provide relief for those who are suffering from poverty. After attaining a degree in bioethics, a professor by the name of Peter Singer recently ventured to provide the world with an answer to the question that had been protruding the minds of many philosophers. Singer claims, “The formula is simple: whatever money you’re spending on luxuries, not necessities, should be given away.” Although Singer’s argument proposes an idea that could be beneficial towards …show more content…
The argument to which Singer lays his claim would be pragmatic in an idealistic world. However, this world in which human existence thrives is far from being in a state that is unimpeded by flaws. Singer argues that those who earn enough to spend their extra money on luxuries should instead donate those funds to overseas organizations to help combat poverty. This proposal is unrealistic due to reasons that you can’t expect beings who carry faultful qualities to amend their ways without delay. Many individuals who have become accustomed to living an affluent lifestyle, will feel reluctant towards Singer’s proposal due to the fear that it will jeopardize their comfortable way of life. An example of this would be the reaction of which was displayed by a wide array of individuals upon initially being introduced to Singer’s proposal. The first …show more content…
When compared to its counterpart of donating all extra funds, the act of not donating any at all also transpires to be an argument that may be deemed impractical. If individuals were to donate their extra funds to overseas organizations, it would be the introduction to the point of time in which the world could become unified. The money donated would go towards funding new programs that would bring new opportunities for those living in poverty. For example, the extra funds could be spent on the development of an educational system. If these individuals had access to an educational system where their knowledge could progress, the possibilities of what they could do with their lives would be insurmountable when compared to not having the means to seek an education. Not only would this have a drastic effect upon the lives of each person individually, but it would also impact the country as a whole because it would open a window for opportunity. An educated country would allow for its citizens to find ways to generate tools that would let them build themselves up without needing aid from others. Countries that were once poverty-stricken would finally become self-sufficient to the same extent as the countries