In this discussion with Peter Singer, a leading philosopher in ethics, listeners explore his evolving views on morality. He reflects on the transition from emotivist hedonistic utilitarianism to a belief in objective morality. The conversation dives into Hume's emphasis on emotions over objective truths and critiques of hedonistic ethics. Singer also shares insights on preference utilitarianism, advocating for individual preferences to enhance well-being, while stressing the importance of empathy and rationality in moral judgments.

Peter Singer, the influential philosopher known for his groundbreaking work in utilitarianism and animal rights, dives into contentious ethical issues. He tackles the moral complexities of Thanksgiving turkey consumption, challenging listeners to rethink their dietary choices. The discussion also spans the role of AI in ethical decision-making, emphasizing the risks and responsibilities involved. Singer urges a reevaluation of effective altruism, inspiring a deeper understanding of personal contributions to global suffering and the importance of ethical dialogue.

Peter Singer, a philosopher, discusses ethical problems in this podcast. The topics covered include the moral status of non-human animals, speciesism, animal suffering, conscientious omnivores, animal experimentation, Effective Altruism, and the comparative nature of human suffering.

Peter Singer is a renowned philosopher known for his influential work in applied ethics and Effective Altruism. Joining him is Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek, who specializes in the implications of ethical terminology. They delve into a balanced view of capitalism, advocating for reform rather than abolition. The conversation highlights the importance of pragmatic ethics in addressing issues like poverty and animal welfare. They also explore innovative approaches to moral activism and reflect on the evolution of philosophical discourse through movements like Effective Altruism.

Peter Singer, Daniel Markovits, and Carol Gilligan discuss reevaluating the Golden Rule, exploring tolerance in democracy, navigating moral laws, nurturing relational capacities for an ethical society, valuing diverse perspectives, and expanding ethical principles to include distant strangers, animals, and future generations.

Moral philosopher Peter Singer, known for his work on utilitarianism and animal rights, discusses his impactful 'shallow pond' analogy. He emphasizes the pursuit of moral evaluation through objective measures. Paul Bloom, a psychology professor, challenges the common perception of empathy, arguing that it's often a moral hindrance rather than a benefit. The conversation also touches upon the complexities of ethical decision-making, the role of rationality in morality, and the interplay between cultural values and moral frameworks.

Peter Singer, a renowned philosopher and bioethicist from Princeton, dives into the ethical implications of animal welfare and the moral obligations of meat consumption. He discusses the capacity of animals to suffer and whether ethical meat farming is possible. The conversation explores the challenges of the vegan movement, pressing issues in wildlife management, and the complexities of balancing personal health with ethical eating. Singer also raises thought-provoking questions about AI's potential for suffering, urging listeners to reconsider their dietary choices and ethical responsibilities.

Peter Singer is one of the world’s most influential living philosophers, whose ideas have motivated millions of people to change how they eat, how they give, and how they interact with each other and the natural world. Peter joined Tyler to discuss whether utilitarianism is only tractable at the margin, how Peter thinks about the meat-eater problem, why he might side with aliens over humans, at what margins he would police nature, the utilitarian approach to secularism and abortion, what he’s learned producing the Journal of Controversial Ideas, what he’d change about the current Effective Altruism movement, where Derek Parfit went wrong, to what extent we should respect the wishes of the dead, why professional philosophy is so boring, his advice on how to enjoy our lives, what he’ll be doing after retiring from teaching, and more. Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links, or watch the full video.  Recorded May 25th, 2023 Other ways to connect Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Follow Tyler on Twitter Follow Peter on Twitter Email us: cowenconvos@mercatus.gmu.edu Learn more about Conversations with Tyler and other Mercatus Center podcasts here. Photo credit: Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek

Renowned philosopher Peter Singer discusses objective truths in morality, cultural evolution and universal altruism, promoting a simpler standard for charity, Apuleius' critique of animal mistreatment, the impact of 'Animal Liberation' and the state of animal welfare, Indian vegetarianism and the influence of spices, abolishing wild animal suffering, the spark of social movements, the influence of secularism and political ideologies on utilitarianism, and assessing the history of life on Earth and reasons for optimism.

Sam Harris speaks with philosopher Peter Singer about the moral status of non-human animals, speciesism, and the scale of animal suffering. They also discuss conscientious omnivores, animal experimentation, and concerns about Effective Altruism. Singer's influential book 'Animal Liberation' is explored, as well as the comparative nature of human suffering and the work of philosopher Derek Parfit. They touch on objective morality and delve into Buddhist ethics and contemporary issues with a female Buddhist monastic.