Death in a Shallow Pond
a philosopher, a drowning child, and strangers in need
Book •
Death in a Shallow Pond examines Peter Singer's famous thought experiment about a drowning child and its implications for global poverty and altruism.
The book explores the origins of Singer's idea and its influence on the Effective Altruism movement.
It delves into criticisms of the thought experiment and the movement, including concerns about elitism and the potential for counterproductive outcomes.
Edmonds argues that the Shallow Pond thought experiment remains a powerful tool for shaping our understanding of suffering and our moral obligations in the world.
It also explores the reactions of critics who argue that the Shallow Pond and Effective Altruism are unrealistic, misguided, and counterproductive, neglecting the causes of—and therefore perpetuating—poverty.
The book explores the origins of Singer's idea and its influence on the Effective Altruism movement.
It delves into criticisms of the thought experiment and the movement, including concerns about elitism and the potential for counterproductive outcomes.
Edmonds argues that the Shallow Pond thought experiment remains a powerful tool for shaping our understanding of suffering and our moral obligations in the world.
It also explores the reactions of critics who argue that the Shallow Pond and Effective Altruism are unrealistic, misguided, and counterproductive, neglecting the causes of—and therefore perpetuating—poverty.
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Morteza Hajizadeh
David Edmonds
David Edmonds, "Death in a Shallow Pond: A Philosopher, a Drowning Child, and Strangers in Need" (Princeton UP, 2025)
