Us Before Me : Ethics and Social Capital for Global Well-Being

In Us before Me, a philosopher argues that persistent, unabated human suffering, requires that the traditional tools of moral philosophy and everyday ethics, be supplemented with a new moral principle that shifts the focus from individualism and self interest to our collective interests. She proposes that social capital, widely recognized as good for individuals and the community, also has important ethical qualities. Treating social capital as a moral principle can override people's reluctance to create social capital because of a concern that others will free ride on their efforts. Illingworth takes the position that promoting social capital will increase individual, community and global well being. As people globalize their social networks, mindful of the moral obligation to act impartialy with respect to social capital, they also promote tolerance, global good will, and the care and concern needed to alleviate global suffering. The ethics of social capital can override homophily and lift the veil of darkness that overshadows social capital, the inclination towards kinship and tribalism.

PATRICIA ILLINGWORTH Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy and in the College of Business Administration at Northeastern University, USA, whereshe is also a Lecturer in Law. Professor Illingworth has held Fellowships at Harvard Law School and at Harvard Medical School. She is the author of AIDS and the Good Society, Trusting Medicine: The Moral Costs of Managed Care, and a co-editor of The Power of Pills and Ethical Healthcare. She is also co-editor with Thomas Pogge and Leif Wenar of Giving Well: The Ethics of Philanthropy.