Cutting the Gordian knot of world poverty: Thomas Pogge's Alexandrian solution
In: Filozofija i društvo, Band 25, Heft 3, S. 290-312
ISSN: 2334-8577
In this paper, the author analyzes Thomas Pogge?s thesis that citizens of
affluent countries are violating the negative right of the global poor not to
be harmed by lending their support to the current global institutional order.
The author argues, however, that Pogge?s argument is unsatisfactory because
he makes an unjustified leap from collective to individual responsibility.
The author begins by assessing Pogge?s argument so as to elucidate the leap.
Subsequently, the author examines two proposals which could complete his
argument; nonetheless, the author argues that both proposals are
unsatisfactory. The first suggestion - the participation argument - contains
two conceptual inadequacies; moreover, if we were to accept this argument, we
would also be committed to accepting an unsavory implication. Taking cue from
Thomas Nagel?s ?rule in our name? argument, the author develops Pogge?s
second suggestion - the political representation argument - that promises to
bridge the gap in Pogge?s thinking. The issues of misrepresentation and of
underrepresentation, however, undermine this proposal too.