Aggregation and Permitting Reasons

Abstract

In this critical commentary, we assess Theron Pummer's attempt in The Rules of Rescue to reconcile the idea that the numbers matter when it comes to deciding who to save from harm, with the rejection of unfettered aggregation. We conclude that the task of reconciling individualist permitting reasons and the partial aggregation of requiring reasons with each other and with the overall account is more extensive than Pummer suggests. Further, we argue that while individualist permitting reasons are an interesting and potentially very constructive contribution to the non-consequentialist discussion of our duties to assist, more must be done to establish their plausibility.