Single Idea 23118

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 3. Virtues / f. Compassion]

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.