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lockecole
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...does that make you unethical or not?
lockecole said:...does that make you unethical or not?
Is this a generic sort of question, or are you trying to figure out what your attitude should be toward some specific billionaire?lockecole said:...does that make you unethical or not?
I'm not sure you could justify this advise, since the recipients benefit regardless of the donor's motivations.JasonRox said:If the right motivation isn't there, don't bother donating.
JasonRox said:If you are donating just because it makes you look pretty or just because you are a billionnaire, I think that's wrong. It's just as bad as not donating at all.
inha said:Someone who's life was saved because of a donation with selfish motives might disagree.
("Our question?" Are you guys roommates?)JasonRox said:Our question is about the person who is donating, and not the receivers.
JasonRox said:There is too much emphasis on saving lives and what not..
JasonRox said:I disagree with this type of thought. When I donate, I don't think... "I could be saving someone!" That's not the reason why I am donating.
Yup. Which brings us back around to 'ask the recipients'.russ_watters said:So I guess one thing being asked here is:
Is doing the right thing right regardless of the reason or is it only right if done for the right reason?
This is a good point, I think, and leads to the old saying about teaching a man to fish. Simply using their clout to influence better programs for educating the poor, as an example, is potentially a better thing than some kind of direct cash benefit that helps today but is over with once spent.fourier jr said:what really matters is rich/powerful people doing SOMETHING to help others; that's the bottom line.
zoobyshoe said:This is a good point, I think, and leads to the old saying about teaching a man to fish. Simply using their clout to influence better programs for educating the poor, as an example, is potentially a better thing than some kind of direct cash benefit that helps today but is over with once spent.
Jeff Ford said:Ethics and morality are completely subjective. On one hand it could be considered appropriate for those who have more than they need to share with those that don't. On the other hand, it could be considered inappropriate to give things to those who did not earn them. While I'm more of a fan of the former, the later could be argued as equally valid. It's all subjective based on the current interpretation of societal values.
zoobyshoe said:This is a good point, I think, and leads to the old saying about teaching a man to fish. Simply using their clout to influence better programs for educating the poor, as an example, is potentially a better thing than some kind of direct cash benefit that helps today but is over with once spent.
lockecole said:...does that make you unethical or not?
The ethical responsibility of billionaires to donate is a topic of debate among philosophers and economists. Some argue that they have a moral obligation to use their wealth for the greater good and to help those who are less fortunate. Others argue that their wealth is their own and they have the freedom to do as they please with it.
There is no clear answer to this question as it ultimately depends on one's personal beliefs and values. Some argue that requiring a certain percentage of their wealth to be donated would be a form of government intervention and would go against the principles of a free market economy. Others argue that it is necessary in order to address wealth inequality and to ensure that the basic needs of all individuals are met.
Again, this is a subjective question and depends on one's personal beliefs. Some may view billionaires who do not donate as selfish, while others may argue that it is their right to do as they please with their wealth. It is important to consider that some billionaires may also donate anonymously or through their businesses, rather than publicly.
There is no set formula for how billionaires decide which causes or organizations to donate to. Some may choose to support causes that align with their personal values or interests, while others may seek guidance from financial advisors or research organizations to determine the most effective ways to make a positive impact.
While the act of donating large sums of money may seem inherently positive, there can be potential drawbacks. For example, some may argue that it allows for the perpetuation of a system where a small group of individuals hold a disproportionate amount of wealth and power. Additionally, if the donations are not carefully managed, they may not have the intended impact or may even cause harm to the recipients.