'The Interview': Peter Singer Wants to Shatter Your Moral Complacency
The Daily
Deep Dive
Why did Peter Singer write 'Consider the Turkey'?
Singer wrote the book to raise awareness about the suffering of over 200 million turkeys raised in conditions close to torture, including mutilation and extreme confinement that causes pain. He believes Americans should know about these practices to potentially change them.
How does Peter Singer feel about the effectiveness of his work in changing animal welfare practices?
Singer acknowledges that while progress is slow and challenging, there have been advancements, such as better animal welfare legislation in the European Union and some U.S. states like California. He remains hopeful that continued public awareness can lead to improvements.
What is effective altruism, and how does it relate to utilitarianism?
Effective altruism is the idea that one should strive to make the world a better place by focusing on the most effective ways to reduce suffering and increase happiness, considering global and even non-human impacts. It aligns with utilitarianism by prioritizing actions that maximize overall well-being with limited resources.
How does Peter Singer respond to criticisms that his views on severe disabilities are insensitive?
Singer argues that his views are formed after extensive discussions with medical professionals and parents of severely disabled children, who often face significant suffering. He believes that personal experiences, including his own family's history, inform his perspective on reducing unnecessary suffering.
What does Peter Singer think about the potential ethical conflicts between saying what is true versus what will have the most impact?
Singer acknowledges the potential trade-off but emphasizes the importance of maintaining intellectual integrity as a philosopher. He believes that rigorously following arguments to their logical conclusions is crucial, even if it means addressing controversial topics that might alienate some audiences.
How does Peter Singer balance personal costs with utilitarian principles in his own life?
Singer admits that while he strives to follow utilitarian principles, there are limits to what he is willing to sacrifice, such as causing family disruption. He believes in doing much more good than most people without making extreme personal sacrifices that could lead to significant personal costs.
What is Peter Singer's view on the controversial ideas published in 'The Journal of Controversial Ideas'?
Singer defends the journal's mission to rigorously examine ideas that might be considered beyond the pale, arguing that even issues like blackface and zoophilia have nuances that deserve academic exploration. He believes that challenging societal norms through thoughtful debate is valuable.
How does Peter Singer reconcile his utilitarian principles with the emotional pull of retributive justice?
Singer admits to feeling the emotional pull of retributive justice, such as supporting the death penalty for heinous crimes, despite his general opposition to it based on utilitarian principles. He acknowledges the conflict between his head and heart in such cases.
- Peter Singer is considered one of the world's most influential living philosophers.
- His work is rooted in utilitarianism, focusing on maximizing well-being for the greatest number of lives.
- Singer's books 'Animal Liberation' and 'Consider the Turkey' have influenced ethical eating habits and challenged societal norms.
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