Samartian's Dilemma

The Samaritan's Dilemma refers to a moral quandary stemming from the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan. It delves into the conflict between individual responsibility and societal expectations. The essence lies in the struggle to balance personal altruism with the understanding that broader systemic changes are necessary. The dilemma faced by the people engaging in charity. On the one hand, charity can help people who are in genuine need of economic assistance by offering them timely help. At the same time, it can also have the unintended effect of encouraging recipients to become dependent on charity in the long run.

In contemporary contexts, this dilemma manifests in debates surrounding social welfare, where individuals may question whether to assist those in need directly or advocate for systemic changes to address root causes. The tension between immediate, localized aid and long-term, structural solutions encapsulates the complexity of navigating moral choices within a societal framework. The Samaritan's Dilemma challenges individuals to grapple with their ethical obligations on both micro and macro levels, prompting reflection on the intersection of personal compassion and collective responsibility. The same dilemma is faced by governments providing welfare for citizens. The term was coined by American economist James M. Buchanan in 1975.