Full Idea
It is a mistaken assumption that knowledge of the sufferings of others creates an obligation to help them.
Gist of Idea
Awareness of others' suffering doesn't create an obligation to help
Source
John Kekes (Against Liberalism [1997], 09.4)
Book Reference
Kekes,John: 'Against Liberalism' [Cornell 1997], p.195
A Reaction
A nice question is when that knowledge does become an obligation. The obvious criteria are proximity to the suffering, and capacity to relieve it. But then a wealthy person couldn't walk down the street without such obigations. Hm.