Analysis Of 'Human Morality' By Peter Singer

Peter Singer explores human moralities while expressing his concern towards the little consideration given by the wealthier regions regarding the problem that people are starving in less fortunate places. Although many people have the ability to give enough to aid in minimizing this problem, they have chosen to not involve themselves at all. Very few countries such as Britain and Australia have active governments that put aside money to help these refugees. Unfortunately, the amount of money they put aside for trivial projects is plentiful in comparison to the smaller amounts provided for the hungry refugees. Singer uses the situation taking place in Bengal as an example for its severity and recentness. He expresses concern for the unjustified
reactions of the wealthier countries towards a situation such as Bengal’s and claims there is a need for a change in morality and ways of living. Arguing for his opinion on appropriate moral behavior, he uses a set of assumptions; the first claiming that death by lack accommodations is bad. Second, that if a person can prevent something bad from happening without causing a similar amount of harm to his or her self, he or she ought to do so. This belief requires a person to do good only when he or she is able; hence no sacrifice nor any physical effort is needed. Singer goes on to say that the people making up the higher class only provide assistance when judged to be necessary. However, inventions such as direct messaging and improved forms of transportation have changed the circumstances. The author comes to the conclusion that we are no longer able to ignore what is happening in other geographical regions just because of the distance. A third assumption Singer claims is that people blame each other for not helping out, to make themselves feel better; thus they abandon all moral responsibility.