Cover
Half-title
Title page
Dedication
Copyright information
Table of contents
Acknowledgements
Introduction: the need for a defence of philanthropy
The need for a defence of philanthropy
My interest in understanding philanthropy
The empirical basis for this book
Criticism and generalized cynicism affect both askers and givers
A justification of the role, purpose and value of philanthropy in society
The problematic consequence of damaging the reputation of philanthropy
Three critiques of philanthropy
When and why did hyper-criticism of philanthropy emerge?
The successful landing of hyper-criticism
The need for scrutiny and constructive critiques
How the Covid-19 pandemic highlights the need for careful consideration of criticism
The positive potential of philanthropy
1 What is philanthropy?
The roles and impacts of philanthropy across time
The ongoing contested terrain of philanthropy
A diversity of causes and contexts
Changes in who is called a "philanthropist"
Changes in philanthropy causes and beneficiaries over time
Philanthropic motivation over time
The logic of philanthropy, the collective action problem and the impossibility of free gifts
Explanations for the existence of the contemporary philanthropy sector
The philanthropy paradox: greater public support for philanthropy than for philanthropists
Longstanding mixed motives and the problem of generalizing about philanthropy
Philanthropy's greatest achievements
Historic greatest achievements
Modern greatest achievements
Reflections on philanthropic achievements and how they relate to critics' concerns
Conclusion
2 Is philanthropy really under attack?
Philanthropists have not enjoyed ceaseless praise to date
Criticism of philanthropists varies across cultural contexts.

The longstanding nature of attacks on philanthropy
Attacks on philanthropy in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries
Attacks on philanthropy in the nineteenth century
Attacks on philanthropy in the twentieth century
Attacks on philanthropy in the twenty-first century
Philanthropy in contemporary popular culture
Summary of concerns raised about philanthropy: continuity and change
Conclusion
3 The academic critique
The academic critique of philanthropy
Philanthropy is undemocratic
Philanthropy is an exercise in power
Philanthropy is insufficiently concerned with inequality
Defending philanthropy against the academic critique
The defence against the claim that philanthropy is undemocratic
The gadfly defence
The distinct and legitimate role of philanthropy
Charity tax breaks are a tiny fraction of all fiscal incentives
Charity tax breaks are decided by democratically elected bodies
Charity tax breaks increase giving and are helpful for the demand side of philanthropy
Against the claim that philanthropy is an exercise in power
Against the claim that philanthropy is insufficiently concerned with inequality
The "dead hand" of philanthropy or government
Embracing the paradox of philanthropy
The problematic consequences of the academic critique
Conclusion
4 The insider critique
The insider critique of philanthropy
Scientific philanthropy
Strategic philanthropy
Philanthrocapitalism
Effective altruism
Defending philanthropy against the insider critique
The normative challenge
The reductionist challenge
The attribution challenge
The problematic consequences of the insider critique
Delaying and deterring giving
Increases the costs of fundraising and running a charity
"Personal" philanthropy results in greater good
Conclusion.

5 The populist critique
The populist critique of philanthropy
Philanthropy involves hidden interests
Philanthropists are hypocritical
Philanthropy creates material benefits for the donor
Media coverage and the populist critique
Defending philanthropy against the populist critique
The populist critique promotes unhelpful and unfair caricatures of rich donors
How philanthropists describe their motivation and philanthropic goals
Donor motivations beyond the caricature
Donor explanations for giving
Anonymous giving and the caricature of conspicuous consumption
Recognizing donors: the graffiti of government
Challenging the "reputation-washing" caricature
Populist critiques overlook ongoing efforts to improve philanthropic practice
Cultural approval of philanthropy is related to donors' wealth
The problematic consequences of the populist critique
Conclusion
6 Why do attacks on philanthropy stick and what can be done about it?
Do big donors have the means to cause harm?
Do big donors have the motive to cause harm?
Do big donors have the opportunity to cause harm?
Reasons why attacks on philanthropy and philanthropists stick
Do-gooder derogation: the preference for Goldilocks givers
A nuanced response to critiques of philanthropy
End ahistorical, unnuanced and ad hominem attacks on philanthropists
Disentangle critiques of philanthropy from critiques of wealth and inequality
Improve the practice of philanthropy
Three ways to improve philanthropic practice
Conclusion: in praise of philanthropy
Philanthropy is not perfect but it has distinct value that is worth defending and celebrating
Need for nuance, avoidance of generalizations and awareness of American exceptionalism.

We need more, not fewer, philanthropists: the billion dollar - or 2.5 trillion dollar - question
Noah's principle: credit only for building arks
Conclusion
References
Index.