The Samaritan’s Dilemma and the Welfare State

Abstract

The parable of the Good Samaritan in the biblical story is well known. In traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho, the Samaritan carne across and assisted a man who had been robbed and beaten by thieves and “left half dead". Under the circumstances of this event, the Samaritan is properly lauded for his exemplary conduct. However, as Nobel Laureate economist James Buchanan demonstrates, a dilemma frequently arises when a modern-day Samaritan’s actions are generalized as a rule of conduct for individuals attempting to assist people in need.¹ What should a Samaritan do, for example, if the assistance rendered serves to increase the need for further help?

Most people have personally experienced the Samaritan’s dilemma when confronted with winos and other street people “in need.” On the one hand, there is a desire to help the less fortunate, some of whom cannot help themselves. On the other hand, there is the recognition that a handout may be harmful to the long-run interests of the recipient. It is shown below why this dilemma is likely to be resolved in a way that is socially more damaging when assistance is provided from the public till. Relatively little attention has been given to the inherent problems of the political process in effectively coping with this pervasive problem.