The Drowning Child Thought Experiment

The podcast discusses Peter Singer's thought experiment, which highlights the moral responsibilities we have to help strangers in need. Singer presents a scenario where one would save a drowning child without hesitation, even at the cost of their clothing, yet fails to act similarly when it comes to donating to help a sick child on the other side of the world. This illustrates the irrationality often seen in our moral behavior, as we instinctively respond to nearby needs while disregarding those who are distant. The thought experiment raises questions about our moral obligations to others and the way we prioritize urgent versus remote suffering.