E71_What We Owe Each Other

T.M. Scanlon coined the idea of contractualism which examines our obligation to be moral human beings. In reading some of his work, really interesting questions pop-up like ... “What are we obligated to do for family and loved ones? And if it’s anything, does this obligation extend to people we do not know and/or society on the whole?” Most of us find it easy and almost instinctual to love and be kind to those close to us, but what about everyone else? While we agree it takes a certain heart to be a saint, where does altruism (selfless concern for the well-being of others) fit into our growth and development as people?...