Thanks for posting - I think it’s pretty brave of you here to make this your first post where I imagine most will disagree.
Im drawn to your moral burden for the poor argument. I would be especially interested to hear people’s arguments here against the creation of an inequitable moral landscape, which I think can often be the case. When I was studying in England I was shocked how many educated people took the moral high ground and derided poor brexit voters, even though many of them thought they were voting for what was best for them, same as the liberal elite were. I was really uncomfortable with the decision.
One argument against I can think of is that people who donate might not actually morally claim to be better than their who can’t afford it. Perhaps our moral status is partly tied to our privelege and wealth “to whom much is given, much is expected”. Maybe donating to offset with our riches doesn’t put us “above” poorer people who can’t afford to.
But the perception and signals could be bad regardless.
Also yes, as a straightforward point sacrifice and moral offsetting aren’t exclusive—sometimes arguments here on the forum might seem to make it seem that way, but I dont think it’s people’s intention most of the time.
Thanks for posting - I think it’s pretty brave of you here to make this your first post where I imagine most will disagree.
Im drawn to your moral burden for the poor argument. I would be especially interested to hear people’s arguments here against the creation of an inequitable moral landscape, which I think can often be the case. When I was studying in England I was shocked how many educated people took the moral high ground and derided poor brexit voters, even though many of them thought they were voting for what was best for them, same as the liberal elite were. I was really uncomfortable with the decision.
One argument against I can think of is that people who donate might not actually morally claim to be better than their who can’t afford it. Perhaps our moral status is partly tied to our privelege and wealth “to whom much is given, much is expected”. Maybe donating to offset with our riches doesn’t put us “above” poorer people who can’t afford to.
But the perception and signals could be bad regardless.
Also yes, as a straightforward point sacrifice and moral offsetting aren’t exclusive—sometimes arguments here on the forum might seem to make it seem that way, but I dont think it’s people’s intention most of the time.