Testing the Motivational Strength of Positive and Negative Duty Arguments Regarding Global Poverty

Abstract Two main types of philosophical arguments have been given in support the claim that citizens affluent societies stringent moral duties to aid global poor: “positive duty” based on notion beneficence and “negative noninterference. Peter Singer’s positive duty argument (Singer 1972) Thomas Pogge’s negative (Pogge 2002) are among most prominent examples. Philosophers made speculative claims about relative effectiveness these promoting attitudes behaviors could lead alleviation poverty. In this article we present results two empirical studies evaluate claims, suggest both a modest effect people’s regarding replication second study, argument, particular, had statistically significant donations. We discuss theoretical practical significance directions for further research role can play engendering concern action pressing problems.