The article critiques the common defense of billionaires’ wealth through their philanthropy, arguing that such acts may serve personal interests rather than virtuous generosity. Using Aristotle's virtue ethics and contrasting it with utilitarianism, the piece explores that while billionaires' motives may be questionable, their donations can still yield positive societal effects. It challenges the idea that the rich inherently give more to charity, suggesting that the true impact lies not just in the total amount donated, but in the quality of that philanthropy in generating overall happiness for society.
"To use an Aristotelian criticism, if the billionaires are engaging in philanthropy to advance their own interests rather than being generous for generosity's sake, then they are not acting from virtue and should not be praised."
"A utilitarian would not be concerned with the motives and character of billionaires and would focus on the consequences of their actions. What matters is the effect of the donation in terms of generating happiness and unhappiness."
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