Philosophy 20: Ethics

Pierce College

Department of History, Philosophy, & Sociology

Group Exercise for Singer's "Famine, Affluence, and Morality"

(Notes on the importance of group exercises.)

Group Work Summary: In groups, discuss what counts as needs, wants, and excess.

Step 1 (ten minutes): Individually, write out three lists. Your first list should enumerate one extreme luxury that no one in their right mind (in your opinion) should desire. Your second list should enumerate three things that people can live without, but are nevertheless acceptable in certain circumstances. Your last list should enumerate three things that a normal person cannot live without.

Step 2 (ten minutes):  In groups discuss, in turn, your individual lists. Then identify group members' roles (e.g., who will be your leader, presenter, scribe, editor, etc.).

Step 3 (ten minutes):  In groups, craft your group's list. Your group's first list should enumerate one extreme luxury that no one in their right mind (in your group's opinion) should desire. Your group's second list should enumerate one things that people can live without, but are nevertheless acceptable in certain circumstances. Your group's last list should enumerate three things that a normal person cannot live without. The last list should enumerate one obvious thing that a normal person cannot live without and one obscure thing that a normal person cannot live without. If you have time, prepare reasons for why your lists include what they include.

Step 4 (ten minutes):  Each group presents their lists.