Peter Singer, a leading philosopher renowned for his work in practical ethics, reflects on 50 years of evolving ideas. He delves into the interplay of emotion and reason in animal advocacy and discusses how personal and societal ethics can shift over time. Singer shares insights on the influence of Buddhist philosophy on altruism and effective giving, encouraging listeners to reconsider their moral beliefs. The conversation touches on contentious issues like animal rights and the ethics of dying, highlighting the potential for transformative belief change.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Late Vegetarian Epiphany
Peter Singer did not become a vegetarian until he was 24, which surprised his younger self.
He was never an animal lover or owner, illustrating a significant personal transformation later in life.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Follow Ethics Over Social Pressure
Follow ethical arguments objectively, even when challenging social norms.
Let your professional identity as someone interested in ethics guide open-mindedness and truth seeking.
insights INSIGHT
Questioning Moral Intuitions
Many moral intuitions are culturally influenced and may not be reliable.
Some universal intuitions evolved for past environments might not apply well today, like disgust at consensual sibling sex.
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This book documents conversations between Peter Singer, a renowned bioethicist, and Shih Chao-Hwei, a Taiwanese Buddhist nun, on topics such as animal welfare, gender equality, and the death penalty. It offers a unique blend of utilitarian philosophy and Buddhist teachings, providing insights into building a better world through ethical discussions.
Animal liberation
Peter Singer
First published in 1975, 'Animal Liberation' by Peter Singer has been a pivotal book in the animal rights movement. It introduces the concept of 'speciesism,' the systematic neglect and exploitation of nonhuman animals. Singer argues that the interests of all beings capable of suffering should be given equal consideration, regardless of their species. The book critiques factory farming and animal experimentation, presenting alternatives and advocating for a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. The revised edition, 'Animal Liberation Now,' updates the arguments to reflect current issues, including environmental impacts and the spread of viruses from factory farms[1][3][5].
Peter Singer, one of the most influential philosophers alive today, joins us to discuss how his views have evolved during the past 50 years of his career. We explore his changing perspectives on the value of sharing controversial views, the effectiveness of rational versus emotional appeals, whether its possible to transform our relationship with charity for the better, and his recent engagement with Buddhist philosophy. Singer offers rare insights into the mind of someone who has spent decades refining his thinking on how we can live more ethical lives.
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About the hosts:
Thom and Aidan left boring, stable careers in law and tech to found FarmKind, a donation platform that helps people be a part of the solution to factory farming — regardless of their diet. While the podcast isn’t about animal welfare, it’s inspired by their daily experience grappling with a fundamental question: Why do people so rarely change their minds, even when confronted with compelling evidence? This curiosity drives their exploration of intellectual humility and the complex factors that enable (or prevent) meaningful belief change.
Changed My Mind 
