Why Is Peter Singer Unethical

812 Words2 Pages

An Australian philosopher and controversial ethicist, Peter Singer, believed that “whatever money you’re spending on luxuries, not necessities, should be given away.” Singer’s beliefs turn to more mundane matters, like charities. In his essay, Singer expresses his unconventional thoughts on the obligations that American people should produce for the rest of the world. Instead of pleasing ourselves, the people who live well, we should please others who aren’t as fortunate in the world. Although, many people would probably love to be able to do such a thoughtful act, it is not ethical. Giving up a person’s time, energy, and money will not fix that fact that the world will never give an equal proposition to everyone. Singer’s beliefs would help …show more content…

People weren’t put on this earth to provide for people out of guilt. The world is not an equitable place that provides the same amount of things for everyone, and this may make people feel bad for what they acquire. Why should someone pay for a movie, when there is a child in another country dying from malaria? Instead of skipping the movie out of the kindness of our heart, we skip the movie out of guilt. We act out of guilt due to the fact that we have been more fortunate in the life we live, compared to others’ in the world. But, we can’t justify why we got stuck with the life that we were given; it’s just like a random drawing from a hat. Some people happen to be rich and famous, many may live paycheck by paycheck, and others may not be lucky enough to have a roof over their head. But, people should not have to punish themselves by never buying luxuries, because other people weren’t as lucky. Putting a pause on buying luxuries would put a lot of jobs on hold. The people who provide our luxuries would now be unemployed. Those relaxing massages many of us like to treat ourselves to will no longer exist. Movie theatres around the world will start to go out of business, leaving thousands of employees jobless. Eating out will no longer be needed, therefore the late night luxuries of buying a Whopper or BigMac will be out of existence. Unemployment will bring a rise in poverty in America, and a rise in needed assistance.

Open Document