Introduction and Definition
“Philanthropy” is a complex term that has to do with voluntarily doing good – “loving humankind” – on a large scale. But this is not a satisfactory definition. There are many ideas, and much disagreement, about what is “good.” Different uses of the term embrace different notions of the doer of good works: is a ruler who uses the wealth that comes by virtue of his office “philanthropic”? A conqueror who turns his booty to good works in the conquered territory? In his home capital? Are members of a nobility “obliged” by rank to act magnanimously, and are their magnanimous actions “philanthropic”?
“Philanthropy” can refer to the acts of those who command very large resources, but it can also refer to the work of humble individuals who, if they join with many others, can accomplish great things: so a great philanthropist might be rich, but might alternatively be a teacher or a health worker. “Scale” is a relative term, not easy to pin down in particular cases or...
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Hammack, D.C. (2010). Philanthropy, Definition Of. In: Anheier, H.K., Toepler, S. (eds) International Encyclopedia of Civil Society. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-93996-4_9
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