ABSTRACT
Although philanthropy is generally referred to in the singular, this masks a variety of philosophical and religious traditions that are frequently opposed. Marked by eudemonism, Enlightenment, or utilitarianism, divergent philanthropic traditions come into debate, not only in Europe and in the Western world but more widely, when they claim to be universalist and unilaterally rational. Rather than arbitrating between one or other of these traditions, we recommend that their backgrounds be brought to light in a fruitful confrontation.
