Is There a Utilitarian View on Capitalism?

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I don't think there is a utilitarian view on capitalism, because there are certainly utilitarians who would be very much opposed to capitalism. But i also think that capitalism does have tendencies that are harmful. It promotes self seeking and materialist ways that are not good for society. And of course, i think, doesn't do enough to assist in poverty. Maybe we'll find something better at some point, but i don't see that as happening any time soon.

Peter Singer, the Ira W. DeCamp Professor of Bioethics at Princeton University, is one of the most influential philosophers of the past fifty years. A leading exponent of utilitarianism, he has often explored how individuals can improve the lot of those in need with their own choices.

In this week’s conversation, Peter Singer and Yascha Mounk discuss what utilitarianism gets right, whether the effective altruism movement is effective, and why freedom of inquiry is crucial to improving the world.

This transcript has been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.

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