Philosophy For Our Times
The life and philosophy of Peter Singer | In conversation with Myriam François
Apr 16, 2025
Peter Singer, a leading philosopher best known for his work in animal ethics and effective altruism, shares insights from his journey from law to philosophy. He recounts a pivotal conversation that influenced his views on animal rights, discussing ethical implications of lab-grown meat and the moral obligations of the wealthy to alleviate global poverty. Singer also addresses the real-world impact of his controversial views on bioethics, including abortion and euthanasia, emphasizing the importance of philosophy in solving urgent global challenges.
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- Peter Singer emphasizes the moral obligation to consider animal welfare and advocates for a plant-based diet to reduce suffering.
- Singer highlights the responsibility of affluent individuals to combat global poverty, urging financial support for effective organizations and ethical engagement.
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The Life and Philosophy of Peter Singer
Peter Singer, a leading moral philosopher and bioethics professor, has significantly influenced contemporary ethical discussions. Growing up in Australia as the child of Jewish refugees, his diverse background shaped his thinking and interest in moral issues, particularly in animal rights. Singer’s pivotal moment occurred when he encountered a peer's objections to eating meat based on the treatment of animals, leading him to explore and challenge traditional ethical frameworks regarding animal welfare. He emphasizes that ethical considerations should transcend mere human perspectives and include the suffering of non-human animals, a view that underpins much of his later work.
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