Single Idea 5912

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / E. Utilitarianism / 1. Utilitarianism]

Full Idea

Ceteris paribus, we should pay our debts rather than give our money in charity, when we cannot do both.

Clarification

'Ceteris paribus' means 'all things being equal'

Gist of Idea

We should use money to pay debts before giving to charity

Source

W. David Ross (The Right and the Good [1930], §II)

Book Reference

Ross,W.David: 'The Right and the Good' [OUP 1930], p.30


A Reaction

This seems a neat objection to utilitarianism, though we could reply that the failure to repay a debt will lead to far more trouble, for you and for your creditor, than your failure to be charitable.