Philosophy Bites David Edmonds on Peter Singer's Shallow Pond Thought Experiment
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Oct 5, 2025 David Edmonds, an author and journalist known for his book 'Death in a Shallow Pond', dives into Peter Singer's thought experiment about a drowning child. He explores the moral implications of choosing between saving a child or prioritizing personal belongings. Topics include applying this scenario to global poverty, the challenges of impartial ethics, and the demanding nature of Singer's views. Edmonds also discusses Effective Altruism and the importance of impact in charity, tackling criticisms and misconceptions surrounding the movement.
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Shallow Pond As Moral Mirror
- Peter Singer's shallow pond asks whether you'd sacrifice trivial personal goods to save a life right in front of you.
- Singer argues distance or familiarity can't morally diminish an obligation to save lives if you can do so without serious sacrifice.
Distance Isn't A Moral Barrier
- Singer treats moral distance and lack of personal knowledge as irrelevant to obligations to help distant strangers.
- He insists a life is a life whether nearby or thousands of miles away if saving it is feasible.
Impartiality Versus Natural Partiality
- Singer endorses impartial valuation of lives, challenging natural partiality to family and friends.
- Edmonds says this impartiality is understandable biologically but partly irrational and worth resisting.
