Philosophy
The Principle of Beneficence and the Limits of Moral Obligation
Quick fact
Peter Singer's famous 'drowning child' thought experiment argues that if we can prevent something bad without sacrificing anything of comparable moral importance, we are morally obligated to do so—a standard that would require the average affluent person to give away most of their disposable income to charity.
Why this is interesting
You see a child drowning in a shallow pond. You can save her easily, but you're on your way to an important meeting. Are you morally required to help? What if helping would ruin your expensive suit? Where does your duty end and mere generosity begin?