Moral duties towards the poor and longtermism Cover Image

Longtermizm a moralne zobowiązania wobec biednych
Moral duties towards the poor and longtermism

Author(s): Jakub Synowiec
Subject(s): Ethics / Practical Philosophy
Published by: Warszawska Prowincja Redemptorystów
Keywords: longtermism; extreme poverty; Peter Singer; William MacAskill; Toby Ord;

Summary/Abstract: The aim of the article is to show the consequences of adopting strong longtermism for the perception of the obligation to eliminate extreme poverty in the light of the principle of equal consideration of interests. In the article, I argue in favor of the hypothesis that a consistent supporter of Peter Singer’s ethical thought adjusted to the postulates of longtermism must assume that obligations towards future people abrogate duties towards current people, even those in such an unfavorable situation as extreme poverty. In the first part of the article, I sketch Singer’s arguments for the moral obligation to eliminate extreme poverty using effective methods, up to significant decrease in one’s level of life. An outline of these widely known views constitutes the framework of arguments in favor of the research hypothesis. Then I briefly characterize effective altruism, which is the basis for a new approach within consequentialism: longtermism. I compare the postulates and assumptions of longtermism as presented by W. MacAskill and T. Ord with Singer’s thought in order to bring their argumen-tation to logical conclusions that support the research hypothesis of this article.

  • Issue Year: 2023
  • Issue No: 21
  • Page Range: 57-74
  • Page Count: 18
  • Language: Polish
Toggle Accessibility Mode