Reception and Criticism
Gilbert Harman has stated that he considers 'Famine, Affluence, and Morality' as one of the most famous articles in ethics. James Rachels said of the article: "one felt intellectual interest in the argument, but also guilt for not having contributed more money to relieve starvation".
Singer's article also influenced the writing of Peter Unger's book Living High and Letting Die.
John Kekes criticises Singer's essay in the article 'On the Supposed Obligation to Relieve Famine'. A common criticism of Singer's essay is the demandingness objection.
World Hunger and Moral Obligation by Arthur also criticizes Singer.
Read more about this topic: Famine, Affluence, And Morality
Famous quotes containing the words reception and/or criticism:
“But in the reception of metaphysical formula, all depends, as regards their actual and ulterior result, on the pre-existent qualities of that soil of human nature into which they fall—the company they find already present there, on their admission into the house of thought.”
—Walter Pater (1839–1894)
“When you overpay small people you frighten them. They know that their merits or activities entitle them to no such sums as they are receiving. As a result their boss soars out of economic into magic significance. He becomes a source of blessings rather than wages. Criticism is sacrilege, doubt is heresy.”
—Ben Hecht (1893–1964)