Abstract: The practice of philanthropy, which generously releases private property for public purposes, represents in many ways the best angels of our nature. But this practice’s noteworthy virtues often blind us to the exercises of private power that it represents. The Tyranny of Generosity argues that this private power threatens foundations of a democratic society. The deployment of private wealth for public ends rivals the authority of communities to determine their own affairs. And, in societies characterized by wide disparities in wealth, philanthropy combines with background inequalities to make public decisions overwhelmingly sensitive to the preferences of the rich. Allowing private wealth to control social outcomes collides with core commitments of a democratic society, a society in which persons are supposed to determine their common affairs together, on equal terms.

But why exactly is democracy valuable? How should these values be weighed against the liberty of donors and the many social benefits that philanthropy promises? The Tyranny of Generosity explores these questions by applying tools of political philosophy to various topics in the practice of philanthropy: the respective roles of philanthropy and government, public subsidies for private giving, the use of donations for political speech, instruments of perpetual giving, the proliferation of giving by commercial corporations, and “effective altruism” as a guide for individual giving. These studies build to a surprising conclusion: realizing the democratic ideal may be impossible without philanthropy—but making philanthropy safe for democracy also requires radical changes to policy and practice.

Advance praise:

“In this clear and fair-minded book, Lechterman argues that we shouldn't only evaluate philanthropy based on how effectively it alleviates poverty or how faithfully it accords with liberal principles of justice. We should also examine it from a democratic perspective, and think about how it shapes power relations. Supporters and critics of philanthropy alike will learn a lot from Lechterman's careful and penetrating analysis." -- Jennifer Cyd Rubenstein, University of Virginia

"Technocrats and effective altruists look to philanthropy as a prized means to improve the world beyond the dysfunctions of democracy and pains of political engagement. Lechterman's magnificent book shows why philanthropy must be assessed in relation to democratic norms and reveals a complex appraisal of the practice of altruism.” -- Rob Reich, Stanford University, author of Just Giving: Why Philanthropy Undermines Democracy and How It Can Do Better (Princeton University Press, 2018)

"Philanthropy has become a major ethical-institutional practice in our societies. But good deeds can have effects that undermine the fibers of democracy. In his masterful and well-balanced treatise, Theodore Lechterman alerts us to the power dynamics unleashed by transforming private wealth into public service and influence. This is a timely and eye-opening book, both philosophically nuanced and politically astute." -- Rainer Forst, Professor of Political Theory and Philosophy, Goethe University Frankfurt