Sharing Food and Sharing Hunger
Abstract
What do we owe to those who are homeless? This ethical question, difficult both in theory and practice, is doubly difficult in the context of a global pandemic e.g., COVID-19. The traditional answer to this question appeals - in many variations - to becoming benefactors. As benefactors, the beneficiaries - those who are homeless - are better off in virtue of the benefactors' causing a degree of hardship upon themselves via monetary donations, providing food and shelter, et cetera. However, this work argues that while there is a moral responsibility to become benefactors to those who are homeless, there is another moral responsibility not exhausted by the traditional answer. Following its rudimentary articulation in G.K. Chesterton's (1874-1936) essay "The Glass Walking-Stick" (1905), we both articulate and defend the thesis that we are morally obligated to actively participate or share in the suffering of those who are homeless. [Please note the Vol/Iss information is not correct - the link to access this article is currently unavailable].