Garrett Hardin Lifeboat Ethics

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Lifeboat Ethics Garrett Hardin argues a very harsh thesis. In his article Lifeboat Ethics: The Case Against Helping the Poor, he states nations must protect their resources and leave others to fend for themselves. While Hardin does come across strongly in his opinions, his concern about overpopulation is most definitely reasonable. Hardin supports his argument by using the example that if we do not protect ourselves there will be nothing left for the future generations. The article starts by describing two different metaphors. First he talks about the spaceship ethic, which is where we should share resources, and then the lifeboat ethic, which is where we should not share our resources. Hardin attempts to discredit the spaceship earth metaphor by suggesting that a true spaceship would be under the control of a single captain; which the world is not. He instead describes the world as being a lifeboat with enough room for a few people inside the boat and the majority in the water begging to get in. His claim is there is only one solution, one lifeboat only allowing room for only a few to get on. Although Hardin’s scenario makes for a great visual and helps me see his point, I am not persuaded. I still have to wonder who decides who gets in the lifeboat and who does not? For this reason, I do not agree with Hardin’s argument. I believe that if countries work together instead of not allowing each other into our so-called "lifeboats" then we could find many solutions to help those in

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