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Document Details : Title: Ethical Aspects of Debt Reduction for the Poorest Countries Author(s): VAN GERWEN, Jef , VANDEVELDE, Toon Journal: Ethical Perspectives Volume: 8 Issue: 1 Date: April 2004 Pages: 3-17 DOI: 10.2143/EP.8.1.503821 Abstract : Debt reduction for the poorest countries of the world has become a self-evident goal for all people who feel concerned about the problems of the Third World, about absolute poverty and misery. Also, right-minded people think it is a primary ethical requirement that rich countries and powerful financial institutions should loosen the constraints imposed upon the weakest regions of the world. However, a closer look reveals that this is not just a technical matter, but that this issue is ridden with hard choices and difficult ethical dilemmas. Giving and helping are much more delicate matters than a naïve and benevolent observer might think. A contribution touching upon the ethical background of the debate about debt reduction is a good opportunity to tackle these sorts of problems. |
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