AIDS in the Third World: how, if at all, do we help?
The duty to help our fellows is not the same, and not stringent in the same way as the familiar duties to refrain from violence to others, and to be honest. In general, being helpful to others is commendable, and to be held up as a virtue. Only in cases where reciprocity is possible and likely may we speak of anything stronger along this line. Moreover, the case of AIDS in Africa is further complicated by the fact that it is easily preventable by readily understandable behavior alterations. However, there are certain possible spin-offs, especially from mutation, which can happen when, as with AIDS, there are millions of cases. So we in the west have some further, reason for concern and action than sheer good will. What can be done is especially difficult because of cultural factors of major order. Serious investigation of how, nevertheless, to get the message across is clearly in order. Otherwise, we cannot and, as a nation, should not, try to do much more.
Narveson
Jan
J
Department of Philosophy, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada. jnarveso@watarts.uwaterloo.ca
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003906:Developing Countries; D006078:Government Programs; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D028681:Moral Obligations