4.5 Relationships between rich and poor Flashcards
Non-religious view against having responsibility for the rich giving to the poor
Libertarians like Robert Nozick argue that people have the right to ownership of the things they work and it is a free choice if you want to give money to the poor. Forced taxing to give to the poor is on a par with slavery because it is labour you’re not payed for which is by definition slavery. It should be a choice not an obligation
Reply to libertarian view on responsibility of the rich to the poor
Libertarian stand only can be justified in the wealth you have was acquired without theft (justice in acquisition). However, given that most wealth in the world was enabled by theft in previous years, then this condition is not met and the wealth was not acquired justly. This means the libertarian view point doesn’t stand.
Non-religious situational view on responsibility of the rich giving to the poor
Utilitarians like Jeremy Bentham argue that if it brings about the greater good for the greatest number of people then the rich should give to the poor as the money they would give would effect the poor more than it would effect them.
Religious views for having responsibility of the rich to give to the poor.
1) Aquinas NML says that if there is inequality and poverty, which giving to the poor would reduce, there is less possibility for economic growth. No economic growth means there wouldn’t be an ordered society (O in POWER) and therefore violates our God given telos.
2) Jesus said to “love thy neighbour as thyself” in the book of Leviticus and therefore we should follow the direct words. And since “in him there Is no sin” - 1 John 3:5 Jesus always does correctly and we should follow this.
Non-religious view on how the poor should be treated
Effective altruism by Peter Singer says that we should use our spare money that is not necessary, to help others in need. He says:
1) suffering form lack of things due to lack of money is bad
2) If it is in your power to prevent bad happening, it is wrong to not
3) By donating and giving to the poor, you are preventing bad happening
4) It is wrong to not donate if you are able to
