#214 - Cosmic Skeptic - How Do We Define What Is Good & Bad?

Peter Singer's 'Ethics in the Real World' applies ethical principles to contemporary issues, offering practical guidance for navigating moral dilemmas. The book covers a wide range of topics, including animal rights, environmental ethics, and global justice, providing a clear and accessible framework for ethical decision-making. Singer's writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, encouraging readers to critically examine their own values and beliefs. The book challenges readers to consider the consequences of their actions and strive to live ethically in a complex world. 'Ethics in the Real World' is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand and apply ethical principles to their daily lives.

In 'The Myth of Sisyphus', Albert Camus delves into the concept of the absurd, which arises from the conflict between humanity's desire for meaning and the apparent indifference of the universe. Camus argues that this absurdity does not justify suicide but rather requires a revolt against it. He introduces Sisyphus, a figure from Greek mythology condemned to eternally push a boulder up a mountain only for it to roll back down, as the ideal absurd hero. Camus suggests that Sisyphus's acceptance of his fate and his continued effort to push the boulder up the mountain, despite its futility, exemplify the human condition and the possibility of finding happiness in the face of absurdity. The essay also discusses other examples of absurd lives and includes an appendix on the works of Franz Kafka.

In this work, Mill provides a comprehensive explanation of utilitarianism, addressing its core principles and responding to various criticisms. He argues that happiness, understood as pleasure and the absence of pain, is the ultimate goal of ethical conduct. Mill distinguishes between higher and lower forms of happiness, preferring intellectual pleasures over bodily ones. He also discusses the compatibility of utilitarianism with individual rights and justice, arguing that justice has a utilitarian basis and that actions are right in proportion to their ability to promote general happiness.

In this book, Toby Ord argues that humanity is in a uniquely dangerous period, which he terms 'the Precipice,' beginning with the first atomic bomb test in 1945. Ord examines various existential risks, including natural and anthropogenic threats, and estimates that there is a one in six chance of humanity suffering an existential catastrophe within the next 100 years. He advocates for a major reorientation in how we see the world and our role in it, emphasizing the need for collective action to minimize these risks and ensure a safe future for humanity. The book integrates insights from multiple disciplines, including physics, biology, earth science, computer science, history, anthropology, statistics, international relations, and moral philosophy.

In 'Practical Ethics,' Peter Singer provides a comprehensive introduction to applied ethics. The book delves into the principles of ethics, emphasizing the role of rationality in moral decision-making. Singer discusses a range of ethical issues including race, sex, ability, species, abortion, euthanasia, infanticide, embryo experimentation, animal rights, political violence, overseas aid, and environmental concerns. He advocates for a utilitarian approach, arguing that it offers a practical framework for addressing moral conflicts by maximizing well-being and reducing suffering. The book also explores the concept of effective altruism, urging readers to consider their moral obligations to assist those in extreme poverty and to act in ways that maximize the impact of their charitable actions. The third edition includes a new chapter on climate change, one of the most pressing ethical challenges of our time.

In this book, Michael J. Sandel delves into various theories of justice, including utilitarianism, libertarianism, and the philosophies of Aristotle, Kant, and Rawls. He applies these theories to contemporary legal and political controversies, encouraging readers to think critically about complex issues and to engage in a more robust and thoughtful public discourse. The book is based on Sandel's renowned Harvard course and aims to help readers make sense of politics, morality, and their own convictions.