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Moral Duty?

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Submitted By pttmangell
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Pages 4
Patricia Sanchez
Philosophy 105
Intro to Ethics
Question 2 of 2

Do we have a moral duty to help starving people on the other side of the world, who we will never meet?
To aid hungry nations or not, is a complex issue. One that, I myself, have had some trouble even formulating an idea. Initially, when I think of this, I immediately say “Yes, we help!” But after reviewing some of the literature, case studies and political views on the subject, I am not so sure. As human beings, I believe that we have an inherent duty to help others who are in need. I prefer not to mention things I have done to help others, but in this context I believe it to be imperative. If someone is hungry, I have gone out of my way to feed them; the consequences are of no value to me, whether it was financial repercussions on my part or the part of an establishment, made no matter to me. If a person is hungry, you feed them. A family one time, had hit a deer on their way home to Flagstaff, I already had a full lodge and house with guests in town for a wedding; I called and asked my mother to oblige these people, who had a small child and baby. She refused, stating, “She couldn’t manage the extra stress right now.” I was appalled. Eventually a place was offered and the family was provided a place to sleep that night. However, my animosity towards my own Mother grew intensely. This scenario has been repeated over and over in my life. I truly believe that virtues are implanted in us, and if we are susceptible to them, they multiply. Yes, I have been taken advantage of and used, because of my inability to say “no”. However, I don't’ know which sacrifice will bring the ultimate reward or discouragement. The words, “Do unto others, as you would have done to you,” ring in my head almost daily. I don’t always live by them, with interruptions from ego and selfishness, but at the

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