The Moral Demands of Affluence

Philosopher and ethicst, Professor Garrett Cullity, of Adelaide University, has tackled an age-old question: “To what extent are we morally obliged to help those in need?” and developed a new and compelling answer, in his latest book, The Moral Demands of Affluence – the book also recently won him the $10,000 Australian Catholic University (ACU), Eureka Prize for Ethics.

Cullity argues that the altruistic model of restricting one’s life in order to aid another is flawed; that it is not morally wrong to live a life of rich personal fulfillment. In fact, this is exactly what it is to be human. But, helping others is also part of being human and must be done with perspective, the book says.

Not letting the affluent off lightly, Professor Cullity states: “If you are not making an effort to find an effective way of helping the poor, then you are acting wrongly”.

Link: Eureka Prize Media Release
Link: ABC Radio program-Life Matters-interview
Link: Audio recording of the interview