Introduction
In contemporary society, there are numerous challenges, such as poverty, hunger, diseases, and inequality. One of the most arising questions pertains to our moral responsibility in assisting those going through hardships. People have varying beliefs on whether we are obligated as human beings to offer help to those who are suffering. Moral theories such as Kantian, utilitarianism, and Aristotle’s virtue ethics explain why individuals should or should not accord help to those in need. Kant argues that we have an unlimited choice on whether to care for the well-being of other people. Peter Singer, the renowned Australian philosopher, advocates that it is our responsibility to alleviate the suffering of others who need food, drugs, or shelter. This paper provides moral arguments and premises on why it is our ethical, human, and global obligation to assist others suffering from poverty, hunger, and need help.
Moral Theories on Helping Others
Moral theories refer to connected concepts or claims determining what is morally right or wrong. Some common moral theories include Kantianism, Utilitarianism, and Aristotle’s virtue ethics. These theories provide frameworks that may be utilized when arguing on the issue of helping others. First, Kantian ethics dictate that we should always respect the humanity of others. In particular, Immanuel Kant was quite specific in explaining the rationale for helping others. His theory states that we have unlimited choices on how to assist others (Heimann, 2022). He proposes that we must treat humanity as an end in itself. Therefore, we need to care for the well-being and good of others. Despite the unlimited choice of how to help, failure to assist on a particular occasion shows that we do not care (Moran, 2022). Therefore, in his argument, he states that we are not obligated to help but are wired as human beings to care for the welfare of others.
Classical period philosophers such as Aristotle also had moral theories that defined humanity’s role in helping others. Aristotle’s virtue ethics states that the right thing to do is what a virtuous person would do. Virtues, as per Aristotle, encompass acts of kindness and generosity (Fabiano, J. (2021). Therefore, under this theory, it is right to assist those as it is virtuous.
Thirdly, the utilitarianism theory dictates that the most ethical choice is that which culminates in the greatest good for many. Therefore, those who believe in utilitarianism view helping others as utilizing resources for the utmost happiness or good. This moral concept suggests that helping the poor or suffering maximizes what is good for all (Singer, 2017). It is seen as a way of ensuring that the community and the majority of people are well. It is the theory endorsed by renowned philosopher Peter Singer who advocates for helping the poor and the suffering. He claims that the wealthy are morally obligated to assist those who are suffering through actions such as donations.
The above moral theories offer ethical frameworks to support the thesis that we should help those suffering or poor in the world. Below is a discussion of the premises utilized in the stance and also an evaluation of the limitations of these theories in
Reasons/ Premises why we should help others
The issue of assisting those suffering in the world is controversial regarding its morality and responsibility. We are morally obligated to help those in need for various ethical, moral, and humane reasons. First, I believe that helping others is a natural defining trait of humanity. Human beings are wired to care for others and, therefore, should always be ready to assist when they can do so.
Secondly, in line with utilitarian beliefs, volunteering or helping others does not only make the world better as it is for the common good of all. Moreover, it is also a way of making us better, as helping others has the domino effect of making one feel better, happier, and more content. As Peter Singer postulates, we have a responsibility to do everything in our power to assist those suffering from poverty, hunger, or diseases. It is not just charitable; it is our duty as human beings to relieve others of their suffering (Singer, 2017). The fewer suffering people there are, the greater good it is for the community and world. To offer a different approach, we will also be able to minimize the accompanying social problems of suffering, such as crime. It is argued that a society with many suffering people is more prone to the social problems of insecurity, inequality, and disintegration. However, by choosing to help slowly, we can promote a happy, secure, and cohesive society.
Weaknesses of moral theories on helping others
The Kantian, Virtue ethics, and Utilitarian theories provide a useful framework for why we should help others. However, their limitations weaken their applicability and use in supporting this thesis. Kantian ethics is contradictory in providing a clear rationale for why we should help others (Stohr, 2021). He proposes that we are intrinsically wired to care for the well-being of others but also affirms that it is not obligatory. The theory is not quite definitive in asserting whether it is a human moral obligation to help those in need. These ethics claim that there is no emotion in morality and therefore suggest that helping others is a mere duty. However, it is not, and in matters of charity and assisting others; one is moved by emotion and sympathy to assist and end the suffering of another. Secondly, virtue ethics theory is weak as virtues are subjective and may be interpreted differently based on personal and sociocultural beliefs. They are time-changing and, thus, may not be applicable throughout.
Finally, utilitarianism is weak in that it devalues personal interests and relationships. Therefore it undermines the value of subjectivity when it comes to helping others.
Conclusion
Helping others is a moral responsibility that we need to embrace and practice. It is not just for the sake of it or through coercion, but it ought to stem from the personal recognition that it is only humane and right to do so. Regardless of what moral theories dictate, it is our moral responsibility to take care of one another, as it is through this we take care of ourselves and make the world a better place. Therefore, we all need to show this through advocacy, lifestyles, and, most critically, direct action to aid those suffering from poverty, hunger, or diseases.
References
Fabiano, J. (2021). Virtue theory for moral enhancement. AJOB Neuroscience, 12(2-3), pp. 89–102.
Heimann, R. (2022). Helping others. In Violence Prevention in Education, School, and Club (pp. 225–238). Springer, Wiesbaden.
Moran, K. A. (2022). Kant's Ethics. Cambridge University Press.
Singer, P. (2017). Ethics in the real world. In Ethics in the Real World. Princeton University Press.
Stohr, K. (2021). Kant, Vice, and Global Poverty. Ethical Theory and Moral Practice, pp. 1–16.
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