How are we to live?
According to Peter Singer, this is the ultimate practical question, and he will expound upon the myriad facets of this topic and his newest book "Ethics for One World" at The University of Memphis tomorrow.
Singer is a world-famous philosopher, ethicist and author probably best known for his 1975 work "Animal Liberation." This book, which spawned a worldwide movement, maintains that species is as irrelevant to moral status as race or sex. This premise requires that we re-evaluate just about every interaction we have with animals including our diet, the economy and our relationship with the natural environment.
An Australian citizen, Singer currently serves as the Ira W. DeCamp Professor of Bioethics at Princeton University and laureate professor at the Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics, University of Melbourne.
Singer is highly distinguished in the realm of philosophy and thought of by many as one of the most influential ethicists alive.
"Peter Singer is a state-of-the-art, contemporary utilitarian philosopher, and he develops his ideas in an informed, unflinching and clearheaded way," said David Henderson, professor of philosophy.
One of Singer's more well-known beliefs comes from his 1972 article "Famine, Affluence and Morality." In this writing, he shows that it is immoral to amass great wealth solely for the sake of gain when there are many who suffer in the world for lack of basic provisions.
The thing that separates Singer from many ethicists is that he lives by his beliefs.
"Every penny that he earns over $40,000 a year he gives back to those needier than himself," said Jill Hernandez, philosophy graduate assistant. "He sees ethics not as a theory, but as a relevant, moral way to live and when students come see him they get to see a real person."
Singer claims that his work is based on the assumption that clarity and consistency in our moral thinking is likely, in the long run, to lead us to hold better views on ethical issues.
His latest work, "Ethics for One World," continues to build on this assumption and is currently being used in U of M globalization courses. The book examines four major issues affecting the world today from a "global ethical viewpoint" including the impact of human activity on our atmosphere, international trade regulation (particularly the role of the World Trade Organization), the idea of national sovereignty and the distribution of aid. As the title implies, Singer is taking a step back to look at the big picture.
"From his seminal article 'Famine, Affluence, and Morality' to his recent 'One World,' Peter Singer's work on globalization continues to challenge readers with insightful analysis and elegant argumentation affirming the ethical responsibilities of members of the global community," said Sara Miller, associate professor. "His talk will be a great opportunity for students and faculty alike, one that should not be missed."
Singer will speak tomorrow in the Psychology Auditorium at 1:00 p.m. The talk will be followed by a vegan reception and book signing.
