Philosophy - Duties to Others Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Philosophy - Duties to Others - Essay Example There continues to be an obtuse vagueness as to the material aspirations and attainment in contrast to the practical accountability of individuals to be participative in the grander scheme of things. On a global setting and in the borderlessness we are admittedly or not living in, the question of the role of the people and of the government poses many different queries that should incorporate and answer their roles and impact. The lending hand that more affluent nations are extending determined to be enough to help other countries in dire need. At the same time, how are individuals classified and evaluated for their function in the alleviation of hunger that kills many people on a daily basis. Peter Singer argues that most people see it as the government’s role to give aid to the poor and that their personal responsibility to do so or to act directly toward its solution is secondary. People are generally bounded by their personal interests and that leads to the simple truth that only a few would be willing to partake in something that should be done in the first place if it impedes it. In spite of this, they should not be perplexed into doing what are inherent and obvious as perceived to be necessary steps which in actuality never or very seldom does happen (237). John Arthur’s rule for the greater moral evil rule is quite simple: â€Å"If it is in our power to prevent something bad from happening, without thereby sacrificing anything of comparable importance, we ought, morally, to do it.† The best point that Arthur suggests is the considerable division of wealth that is necessary to implement these ideals. Bringing moral equality into the picture, both misery and bliss should be considered in the essential objectivity of the rule. It also brings into question the who of the situation. It should not undermine the

Socially Desirable Merit Goods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Socially Desirable Merit Goods - Essay Example This report declares that the private sector primarily operates under the dynamics of the free market system. Many individuals in the society would miss enjoying the benefits of merit goods if left to the private sector because they would appropriate a high price for the good or service, limiting the individuals who can have access to the good. Therefore, many people would be unwilling to access the merit goods at a high cost. The inaccessibility would lead to underproduction of the good, and ultimately leading to underutilization of the good or service. In most cases, government institutions are tasked with handling the provision of merit goods. This paper makes a conclusion that education is usually considered a merit good, and especially the basic education from early childhood to the university or college. An educated society results in reduced cases of hard crime, increased productivity, higher rates of employment and a growing economy because of direct input of high-quality labour. An educated society also translates into strong governmental and non-governmental institutions and interests from foreign companies who would thrive with good quality employment. The government would also benefit directly from increased tax collection from employed individuals. The present secondary education system in the UK is an improvement of an older system that allotted students at the age of 11 years to either of the three school types through performance and selection examinations.