Thomas Pogge
Thomas Pogge
Philosopher, Professor, and Human Rights Advocate
Full Name and Common Aliases
Thomas W. Pogge is a German-American philosopher and professor of philosophy at Yale University.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on March 17, 1953, in Germany, with no recorded death date as he is still active in his profession.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Pogge holds both German and American citizenship. He has worked extensively in the fields of ethics, human rights, and global justice, with a focus on philosophical inquiry and practical application.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Germany during World War II's aftermath, Pogge was exposed to the devastation caused by conflict and social inequality from an early age. This exposure would later shape his academic pursuits and commitment to promoting human rights and social justice. He studied philosophy at universities in Germany and the United States before obtaining a Ph.D.
Major Accomplishments
Pogge's contributions to ethics, global justice, and human rights have been significant and far-reaching:
His work on the concept of poverty has been particularly influential, arguing that extreme poverty is not just an unfortunate circumstance but a violation of human rights.
He has also been instrumental in developing the "Global Resource Dividend" (GRD), a proposal aimed at redistributing wealth generated by natural resource extraction to benefit countries and peoples whose resources are exploited.
Pogge's advocacy for global justice extends beyond theory, with practical applications such as his work on human rights policy in various international organizations.Notable Works or Actions
Some of Pogge's notable works include:
"World Poverty and Human Rights: Cosmopolitan Responsibilities and Reforms" (2002): This book outlines his arguments for a cosmopolitan approach to addressing global poverty, emphasizing the moral obligations of richer countries towards poorer ones.
Contributions to various academic journals and publications on topics such as human rights, globalization, and international justice.Impact and Legacy
Pogge's influence extends beyond academia into policy circles and public discourse. His work has:
Influenced policymakers and advocacy groups worldwide, shaping debates on global poverty, inequality, and human rights.
* Encouraged a new generation of scholars and practitioners to engage with issues of global justice and ethics.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Thomas Pogge is widely quoted and remembered for his innovative approach to addressing global poverty and promoting human rights. His work combines philosophical rigor with practical policy suggestions, making him a respected voice in both academic and public spheres.
Quotes by Thomas Pogge
This splendid book discusses how, in the last two hundred fifty years, large numbers of people have achieved levels of well-being that were previously available only to a few individuals, and how this achievement has given rise to equally unprecedented inequalities. Unique in its focus and scope, exceptional knowledge and coherence, and careful argumentation, The Great Escape is highly illuminating and a delight to read.
Whatever we, as prospective participants unaware of our specific features, would desire society to be like is what, morally speaking, we ought to institute.
The cost of research, development and testing of a new drug is vastly greater than the cost of each dose produced. How should we pay for new medicines? Innovators should be rewarded according to the impact of their medicine, and people should contribute to these rewards according to their ability to pay.
If I were surrounded by angels who were purely rational and had no inclinations at all, I couldn't do anything for them. I couldn't make them happy; I couldn't make them sad, I would be entirely useless as a moral agent.
By seeing the problem of poverty merely in terms of assistance, we overlook that our enormous economic advantage is deeply tainted by how it accumulated over the course of one historical process that has devastated the societies and cultures of four continents.
It's easy to complain that pharmaceutical companies place profits over people and apparently care more about hair loss than TB. However, many in the pharmaceutical industry would be glad for the opportunity to reorient their research toward medicines that are truly needed, provided only that such research is financially sustainable.
It seems far-fetched, even preposterous, to blame the global economic order for the persistence of severe poverty in countries that are ruled by obvious thugs and crooks.
Medicines are unusual commodities. Important drugs can save the lives and protect the health of millions. Their consumption can bring huge benefits, by helping patients to avoid infection and preventing serious damage to the economies of families, nations and even humanity at large.
The stunning thing about the world as it is, is that we have a tremendously large problem in it: namely, one-third of all human deaths, 80-million every year from poverty-related causes, trivial diseases and so on, and stunningly, nobody is really paying attention to it.
We citizens of the affluent countries tend to discuss our obligations toward the distant needy mainly in terms of donations and transfers, assistance and redistribution: How much of our wealth, if any, should we give away to the hungry abroad?