Private Virtues, Public Vices: Philanthropy and Democratic Equality

Philanthropy plays a huge role in supporting the provision of many public goods in contemporary societies. As a result, decisions that affect public outcomes and people’s diverse interests are often dependent on the preferences and judgments of the rich. Political theorist Emma Saunders-Hastings argues that philanthropy is a deeply political activity. She asks readers to look at how the power wielded by philanthropy impacts democracy and deepens political inequality by enabling the wealthy to exercise outsize influence in public life and by putting in place paternalistic relationships between donors and their intended beneficiaries. If philanthropy is to be made compatible with a democratic society of equals, it must be judged not simply on the benefits it brings but on its wider political consequences. Timely and thought-provoking, Private Virtues, Public Vices will challenge readers’ thoughts on what philanthropy is and how it truly affects us.

Table of Contents:
Introduction Chapter 1. Donations and Deference Chapter 2. Equality and Philanthropic Relationships Chapter 3. Plutocratic Philanthropy Chapter 4. Philanthropic Paternalism Chapter 5. Ordinary Donors and Democratic Philanthropy Chapter 6. International Philanthropy Conclusion Acknowledgments Notes Bibliography Index  

About the Author :
Emma Saunders-Hastings is assistant professor in political science at the Ohio State University. Her writing on philanthropy has appeared in the Journal of Politics, the Boston Review, and Effective Altruism: Philosophical Issues.

Review :
"Private Virtues, Public Vices is essential reading for navigating our present-day collision course between widespread economic inequality and democratic governance." "Ms. Saunders-Hastings, a political scientist at Ohio State University, believes that philanthropy is in tension with democracy—may even be harmful to it. Her critique is worth taking seriously. . ." "In Private Virtues, Public Vices: Philanthropy and Democratic Equality, Emma Saunders-Hastings reminds us that contributing private wealth for the public good—by definition—has always been a political act. . . . the book is timely—and timeless, for it goes beyond calling for reforms to suggest a framework for thinking not only about philanthropy but also about democracy, equality, and justice." "Saunders-Hastings’ book is of great relevance, as it uncovers the fundamental interests behind most philanthropic giving, other than addressing widening inequality, escalating poverty, and other global concerns. . . . a must-read for all who have a keen interest in philanthropic work on a national and international level." “The best philosophical illumination of the tension-ridden relationship between philanthropy and democracy. Better still, in exploring the institutional design of contemporary philanthropy, Saunders-Hastings makes original contributions to democratic theory itself, especially as concerns the relationship between ideal and non-ideal theory and the basis of objections to paternalism.” “Philanthropy is a hot topic these days. This crisply and clearly written book reframes the ethical discussion focused on rich people/countries’ debt to those less well-off and recasts practical concerns about effective giving to focus on the politics and power of giving. Private Virtues, Public Vices poses challenging questions in this age of global inequality. Saunders-Hastings couples precise arguments with thoughtfully chosen real-world examples to convey a strong sense of urgency.”