Collateral Benefit

Abstract

Political philosophers often focus upon ethical principles that apply to the decisions of those who weld government power directly. Michael Blake, professor of philosophy at University of Washington, instead considered the ethical principles that apply to the decisions of those whose relationship to government power is less direct – such agents as ordinary citizens, political parties, unions, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Blake focused on a particular type of organization in a particular situation: human rights NGOs in cases of humanitarian intervention. Blake argued that the ethical principles that apply to the decisions of NGOs that provide humanitarian assistance are not the same as the ethical principles that apply to the decisions of governments.