Moral Obligation in the Face of Global Poverty and Hunger

The phenomenon of poverty is a multifaceted and complex problem that cannot be easily provided with a solution or even defined or measured. Despite the remarkable human progress in various fields, there are still more than ۶۰۰ million people in the world who are struggling with the shortage of adequate food. The issue of poverty, along with the crisis of climate change, is one of the most prevalent issues facing human beings today, and its effects are becoming more tangible on a daily basis. Despite much research on the devastating effects of poverty, many thinkers still consider it as a marginal issue and even believe that helping the poor is abortive. In contrast, many theorists, while rejecting their arguments, emphasize the importance and necessity of helping the poor and eradicating poverty in the world. Therefore, this descriptive and analytical research, while examining the issue of poverty and its destructive dimensions, expresses the views of ethic philosophers in the fields of utilitarianism and conscientiousness. Moreover, an attempt is made to criticize each of them as far as possible. Finally, considering all the views expressed, it seems that helping the poor and hungry people in the world is not only necessary, but also a moral duty and obligation in a way that, if ignored, our lives will not be moral whatsoever.

Keywords:

Poverty , Ethics , World Hunger , Moral Responsibility , Ethics of Aid