Singer and Shue

Singer - moral importance

If it is possible to prevent something bad from happening without sacrificing anything of equal OR comparable moral importance we are morally obligated to do it (saving drowning child and getting clothes muddy)

Singer - marginal utility

You are obligated to help EVERYONE

How much should you give - marginal utility, until it would hurt you to give away any more as much as those you are giving to are hurting

Singer - population control

Maybe stop giving aid to countries that are not taking population control measures - includes contraceptives and sterilizations, but also creating a society in which people do not want (or feel the need) to have children

Shue - basic rights

“Basic” rights are fundamental to the human experience of life

You can sacrifice non-basic rights to protect basic rights, but not the other way around

Shue - security rights

Security rights are basic rights and are necessary to enjoy all other basic rights, because if you are at risk of being assaulted you cannot enjoy your other basic rights

Shue - subsistence rights

Subsistence/economic security are also basic rights - Nobody can enjoy their rights if they do not also have the essentials for a reasonably happy life - risk of illness/malnutrition prevent you from enjoying your rights

Shue - standard threats

Standard threats - Other rights could not be protected if security or subsistence could credibly be threatened