Giving Thought

In episode 49, we explore some of the issues brought to light by the recent devastating fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and the immediate philanthropic response. Including:   -Does the Notre Dame response demonstrate there is untapped philanthropic potential out there? -Why will people respond so readily to a damaged building, but ongoing efforts to address issues of human poverty and suffering remain hard to fundraise for? -Does this story illustrate that philanthropy is inherently irrational? If so, what should our conclusion be? -What is it about the Notre Dame disaster that has brought about such an unprecedented response? -Should we be grateful to the mega-donors who have pledged millions to Notre Dame, or ask what they are getting in return in terms of social status and legitimacy? -Do we need to scrutinise the source of wealth of these mega-donors, and whether they have paid their fair share of tax, and balance this against their desire to do good through giving? -If we agree that rebuilding Notr