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Full Idea
A fundamental question in morality is whether we are obligated to help only those we specifically agreed to help, or are we obligated to help others in need, because they are vulnerable?
Gist of Idea
Are we only obligated by agreement, or should we always help the weak?
Source
Hugh LaFollette (Introductions in 'Ethics in Practice' [2002], p.061)
Book Ref
'Ethics in Practice (2nd Ed)', ed/tr. LaFollette,Hugh [Blackwell 2002], p.61
A Reaction
[He is considering J.J. Thomson's defence of abortion] The first option sounds extraordinary. If I don't make any agreements at all, then I cease to be a moral being? Not help strangers when they fall over?