Mirco – You say that “contemporary rights theories lack a coherent foundation” and that may be so. You on the other hand appear to want to base your moral theory on some sort of secular consequentialism – what is the coherent foundation for that?

Err yes. We are a tribal species by nature. We care first and
foremost about those close to us.

Do we take less notice of others, in other parts of the world?
Why of course. They already have hundreds of millions there,
assisting them, worrying about them etc.

It is fairly pointless to spend life worrying about everything,
when some things cannot be changed.

Charity begins at home, as they say. That is quite reasonable
and understandable.

If we lived in closer proximity and if 50% of us were not struggling with bills at this time directly after Christmas, the story would be different Mirco.

You are correct and it is great you have highlighted and reminded all of us to tweak our consciences. Yet the situation you have described is inevitable and unavoidable for a good half of the population raising families meeting basics/essentials at this time of year, along with assisting relatives in both QLD and VIC currently.

Q: Have you hopped on a plane and visited Rio to assist victims and their families or donated yourself as yet Mirco? Not a defensive question, just interesting given that often people who raise these issues, can be quite guilty of the fact/issue they raise themselves at the time, out of frustration/helplessness that they are unable to assist physically using a hands-on approach or financially.

I do not have funds, savings or a credit card to assist financially nor am I able to travel o/s as a result of my children and work.

However, like other people, I am organising a couple of events as fundraisers in our area with friends in which the proceeds could be divided.

The above issues highlight that there are many people disappointed and frustrated with not being able to despatch funds overseas at present and/or not raise their hands for volunteer work o/s

I apologise for incorrectly spelling your name Mirko.

A most positive and wonderful article to remind us all regardless of my comments.

I admire you greatly.

Morality is subjective, as is the broader concept of ethics.

If I have lost my job and have a child to feed, is it moral/ethical for me to neglect that child while continuing to sponsor a child in Cambodia?

If my father has cataracts in his eyes and needs expensive surgery, is it moral/ethical for me to tell him to harden up, while donating money to the Fred Hollows foundation so that they can perform eye surgery on people in Papua New Guinea? After all, the cost of surgery is less there, so the same amount of money can help many more people and, ultimately, bring about a greater good.

While some - indeed, many - disagree with me, I am not alone in believing that we have a greater obligation to those close to us.

That said, I agree with your point that charity, for many, is driven by emotion rather than a sense of morality. Taking intent or justification out of the picture, though, supporting locals in need of assistance does serve a greater (if unnoticed) purpose.

Taking Australians out of a position of need is good for them and for the economy as a whole. Getting them back to work quicker, getting them earning and spending money quicker, keeps our economy afloat (with the occasional bobble) and puts us, as individuals and as a nation, in a better position to help those in need elsewhere. I know this is not at the front of people's minds when they donate to the various disaster relief appeals, but it is a reality.

Well said Otokonoko.
There are also ongoing disasters in Brazil and elsewhere: Horrendous child poverty and violence, displaced native villagers killed by logging hoons, terrible injustices by the strong against the weak.
Humans need to budget our caring about the bad and balance it with positive things. Most do this via ignorance...simply ignoring the ongoing details of ongoing misery. This ignorance is natural and necessary.
Disasters force us out of ignorance due to their spectacular nature. they *make* us feel...until the number of disasters builds up enough to become routine, after which they will be added to the category of stuff to ignore.
The changing climate will either force civilisations to mature a lot...or degenerate into competitive tribalism. Most likely both. did anyone else remember how New Orleans played out and to see Brisbane think: "Thank God we are in a *civilised* country!". The USA has made conscious decisions not to be moral in the good times, so it is no surprise that things fall apart in the bad.