Responsibility in an Interconnected World

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This monograph examines the aid industry, highlighting a crisis of confidence stemming from a lack of clear moral guidelines. It critically reviews prominent philosophical perspectives on the duty to aid, contrasting the narrow, instructive views of John Rawls and Peter Singer with the broader, disruptive accounts of Onora O’Neill and Amartya Sen. By elaborating on interconnection, responsible action, inclusive engagement, and accumulative duties, the book aims to reconcile philosophical tensions and offer practical guidance to aid practitioners, donors, and recipients amidst contemporary complexities. Informed by real-world examples, it addresses intricate ethical questions surrounding aid practices. The author navigates the debate between deontological and consequentialist moral theories, ultimately advocating for a nuanced consequentialist approach that acknowledges the complexities of aid dilemmas without providing definitive answers for every situation. This exploration is particularly rewarding for researchers, students, and practitioners in international aid. The book's strength lies in its thorough discussion of Singer, Rawls, O’Neill, and Sen, culminating in a broad, non-idealized consequentialist framework that promotes an interconnected ethical approach to assistance. It is a valuable resource for those contemplating the rationale behind providing aid.