Singer argues that it is exclusively the duty of governments, and not individuals, to help those that are suffering in other countries. True False
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is False.
Peter Singer, a well-known philosopher and ethicist, argues that it is not exclusively the duty of governments to help those suffering in other countries. Instead, he emphasizes the moral responsibility of individuals to assist people in need, regardless of geographic distance. Singer’s famous argument, particularly outlined in his essay “Famine, Affluence, and Morality,” suggests that if it is within a person’s power to prevent something bad from happening without sacrificing anything of comparable moral importance, they are morally obligated to do so. This applies to helping those suffering from poverty, famine, or other crises anywhere in the world.
Singer challenges the traditional view that charity is supererogatory—meaning it is above and beyond moral duty—and instead frames helping others as a fundamental ethical requirement. He critiques the notion that only governments or institutions have the responsibility to aid suffering people, insisting that individual actions matter and that people should contribute to alleviating global suffering directly or indirectly.
He also argues that distance and nationality should not affect moral obligations. According to him, if someone can help a starving child in another country as easily as helping a child next door, the moral obligation remains the same. This perspective shifts the focus to individual responsibility, encouraging people to give more to effective charities or support global aid efforts.
In summary, Singer does not believe that only governments have the duty to help those suffering in other countries. Rather, he insists that individuals share a significant moral duty to act and contribute towards alleviating global suffering. This view promotes ethical action beyond political or national boundaries and stresses the importance of personal responsibility in addressing worldwide issues.