The Gray Area with Sean Illing Peter Singer on the lives you can save
Dec 2, 2019
Peter Singer, an influential public intellectual and author of "Animal Liberation" and "The Life You Can Save," discusses the moral responsibilities we hold toward others, urging listeners to reflect on their impact on society. He explores the challenging nature of effective altruism, the ethics of charity in affluent societies, and how personal sacrifices relate to moral living. Singer also dives into speciesism and the struggles of animal welfare, while highlighting the need for ethical decisions in the face of emerging technological risks and climate change.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Bangladesh Refugee Crisis
- The 1971 Bangladesh refugee crisis spurred Peter Singer's ethical thinking.
- Witnessing suffering made him question his actions and responsibility.
Defining Limits of Giving
- There's no easy answer to how much one should give.
- It depends on whether you aim for perfect ethical conduct or a reasonable threshold.
The Difficulty of Being Good
- Simple acts like buying coffee become morally questionable under Singer's framework.
- Being truly 'good' demands constant awareness and sacrifice.
