Rationally Speaking Podcast cover image

Rationally Speaking Podcast

Rationally Speaking #97 - Peter Singer on Being a Utilitarian in the Real World

Nov 25, 2013
47:01
Snipd AI
Ethicist Peter Singer discusses his utilitarian arguments on how we should treat animals, why we have an obligation to give to charity, and whether infants count as 'people'. They also explore hedonistic vs preference utilitarianism, saving a drowning child, speciesism and animal rights, Singer's controversial reputation in Germany, and book recommendations.
Read more

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Peter Singer emphasizes the practical impact of moral philosophy, showing that small lifestyle changes can have ethical significance.
  • Peter Singer challenges speciesism and highlights the need to reconsider our treatment of animals in various industries.

Deep dives

Philosophy of Ethics and Changing Lives

Peter Singer discusses the impact of his book on moral philosophy, highlighting the idea that individuals can make ethical changes in their lives little by little rather than radically. He shares a personal anecdote of how his book influenced a couple to sell one of their cars and move to a smaller house to reduce their impact on the environment. This emphasizes the idea that philosophy can lead to real-life changes and encourages individuals to make ethical choices.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode