Peter Singer | Full Q&A at The Oxford Union

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Peter Singer is an Australian philosopher, working primarily in practical ethics. He is currently the Ira W. DeCamp Professor of Bioethics at Princeton University, and was named the ‘most influential living philosopher’ by The New Yorker. He is best known for his writings on global poverty, which have attracted controversy and protest. Notably, in his essay ‘Famine, Affluence and Morality’, he argues in favour of an obligation to help the global poor, and in his book ‘Animal Liberation: A New Ethics for Our Treatment of Animals’, he questions the societal norm of putting human needs above those of other species. In 2021, he was awarded the $1 million Berggruen Prize for Philosophy and Culture.
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[@erowan1389]

Dr. Singer is one of the worlds most important teachers for humanity. I can't thank him enough for his wisdom and efforts towards animal liberation.

[@victorsauvage1890]

You are ranting -- Singer is incompetent.

[@scottpeters3]

@@victorsauvage1890incompetent in which area(s) & your evidence?

[@strongblackcoffee9573]

Was introduced to Peter in intro to ethics during college. Been vegetarian/vegan ever since. Love this guy.

[@MarieAnne.]

A man who's ok with infanticide? So what's stopping you from putting babies on the menu? Perhaps an "ethically" killed baby with Down Syndrome?

[@victorsauvage1890]

You obviously have not received any instruction in philosophy.

[@marishasveganworld2240]

Wonderful! Can’t wait to read his book - Animal liberation.

[@victorsauvage1890]

Grow up Think like a man

[@christopherhitchens163]

The man himself

[@victorsauvage1890]

?

[@joedafrog]

Dope

[@user-xup3e]

omg i am a big fan of him from s korea

[@alberteinstein2027]

Me too from Syrian in Jordan

[@victorsauvage1890]

@@alberteinstein2027 You have no capacity for philosophy

[@victorsauvage1890]

Ha!

[@ewanmcgregor5942]

He looks like he has a saintly halo

[@victorsauvage1890]

Yeah -- All shallow men do

[@sdrawkcabUK]

So either YT or Oxford uni have removed my fair and polite criticism of Singers views on a certain recent medical issue. Good to know freedom of thought and expression are so highly valued by this platform.

[@sulaymanmurtad5434]

It could be censorship, but I suspect it is just the erratic workings of the KZbin algorithm. Happens to me frequently. It is impossible to have meaningful conversations on this website. Long in depth comments are a particular target for the bots, however civil they may be. Very annoying as it feels like I've wasted my time and energy. One can't take it personally.

[@elleh3495]

I agree with almost everything he champions and argues for; I think the world is a much better place when people like Peter Singer argue ethically for common-sense good for humans and animals.

[@victorsauvage1890]

You are empty

[@jazzforpeace]

Dr. Singer's ideas for humanity and morality are as extraordinary, wonderful and liberating as his knowledge of natural immunity is both asinine and absurd.

[@sharpsbattle]

If charities were not corrupt, third world governments were not corrupt and that there was a real plan to lift these nations out of poverty, I would donate more. I would go over and help if I could. The West has donated billions, and little changes.

[@mishistern]

Check out effective altruism! And the west has a donated a lot and a lot has changed! A lot of lives have been saved and improved!!

[@BiznizTrademark]

That's probably because most of the money given through charity or foreign aid is not going through the most effective channels (far from it), which is precisely what effective altruism is all about.

[@JuliusCaesar103]

What a G

[@walterarruda5388]

Reading a new edition of a book written in the 90's without updating, better call REPRINT!.

[@lorenzobenitezbarboza]

buenardo

[@60-second-HACKS]

Professor Singer needs to decline to offer opinions outside his area of expertise. His analysis of geopolitics and media manipulation is ignorant in the extreme. And I'm a big fan of his work.

[@luismigueltolda3571]

Could you give an exemple? What does he claim that you think is ignorant?

[@TheVietnameseDevil]

😎

[@alberteinstein2027]

Not leaked anymore, they ruled roe v wade 🙂

[@chadreilly]

I like Peter in all, but I don't think "effective altruism" is utilitarian. Statistically, "the life you might save" is only going to have more babies who will A) suffer themselves and B) eat/further displace animals, amongst other things. The green revolution is failing and I have to think if Peter thinks it through he'll have to agree that Garrett Hardin was right.

[@rajanm5571]

Have you read Practical Ethics? There he explains how through effective altruism, and the subsequent improved conditions in developing countries would help lower high birth rates (since parents tend to have more children when infant mortality is higher due to absolute poverty etc.). So by saving the lives of those in impoverished countries, effective altruism would decrease population growth in the long term

[@chadreilly]

@@rajanm5571 I'm familiar with the argument and it fails with regards to directionality. Jane O'Sullivan talks of her research showing so, at length here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpLGg6B4ZbyefKs

[@MsArrika]

On the topic of Elon Musk and interplanetary colonization, I think its safe to say Elon almost certainly didn't mean the general population should migrate throughout the solar system. The only individuals who would be taking refuge on other planets would be those who can afford the price of a seat in a spaceship which I don't believe are designed to transport more than a handful of people in the first place. So, for all the good some billionaires may have done in terms of legitimately helping charitable causes, I would venture to say its almost certain they wouldn't have a problem jn the least bit with leaving the masses to fend for themselves trying to survive an increasingly uninhabitable environment. Also highly likely they'd continue to exploit the population of earth in the interest of maximizing profits but instead from a different planet entirely leaving them free to fully exploit our planets resources with NONE of the consequences and out of reach of any possible accountability. If they're gonna continue to screw the people and the planet at least while they're on earth we can make sure they're kept in check to some degree just for the fact that they don't want an outraged public coming for them to deag them to a guillotine. Also, Elon is supposed to be intelligent but apparently a very basic notion slipped his mind when the idea for interplanetary colonization dawned on him, which is if you don't deal with your problems, it doesn't matter where you go, they will follow you. So the idea that he wants to propose moving to Mars says to me that he and those who share his ambitions intend to exploit each planet and its resources continually moving from one to another once every viable resource has been depleted and the planets environment is reaching the point at which life can longer survive and mankind is at risk of extinction yet gain. I can just imagine, ExxonMobil finds a way to mine some kind of energy source on Mars, destroys Mars in the process, and Musk suggests moving to damned Venus or some crap because Mars is becoming too acidic for human life due to fuel extraction activity Exxon engages jn

[@restcure]

Another way to see it: JFK, president; Musk, industrialist - both, positions of leadership. Take Kennedy's Rice University address, modify the variables. Kennedy, through his domain, the USA; Musk, through his domain, the companies that he ... does what he does. The same motivations but through the filter of the perceived needs (?) of their immediate concerns.

[@hooberdoober576]

One ? that will never be satisfactorily answered: How did Boris Johnson ever get to be president (chairman, pm, head berk) of that august speaking society?

[@flashtrash7830]

I don't think it's that august. The questions are OK but not top draw challenging. It's an easy Q&A for a person of interest, so they turn up.

[@restcure]

Must be the hair.

[@Jim6593]

Hopefully an intellectual simulation

[@NoPrivateProperty]

the solution to all human problems is to cease reproducing. not charity

[@krystalccameron7689]

See, this is why I won't let any of you nut jobs lead me down the brick road, I've realised that the problem at the root of your various nut job ideologies is deep sorrow at mankind's continued existence.

[@heidikimmet8350]

🅿🆁🅾🅼🅾🆂🅼 😣

[@alexharrison9340]

A really worthwhile organisation to donate towards is the Jeremy Corbyn Peace and Justice Project.

[@garrysmodsketches]

"these people are in poverty through no fault of their own" press X to doubt

[@mikecp1000]

This is so much BS and here’s why: There are two poor people. One makes and sells ice creams and one does nothing. I have $5.00 to spend or give away. Do I buy an ice cream from the poor person who makes them or give the money to the poor person who does nothing? If you stop spending money on luxury goods and give it away to someone else you end up creating poor people out of those who are currently productively employed in making the luxury goods. There will be no incentive for anyone to actually work or produce anything. All you’ve done is doubled the number of poor out of work people and removed the ability of the ice cream maker to improve their life.

[@mattwilson9585]

Feeling Empty? What does it take to be a Christian? Faith in Christ Matthew 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. The Gospel 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Faith Alone in the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus Christ (God) to Forgive your Sins through His blood. By believing in this you have become a new creation in Christ, and have a promise you’ll be with the Lord in your death, but also have the Holy Spirit living in you forever as a guide for you. If you believe, from that moment on to eternity you are saved (No matter how much you struggle with sin after). Romans 3:23-25 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; Romans 3:10-12 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Hell or Heaven? Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 23:13 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? HELL IS A REAL LOCATION ALL NON CHRISTIANS WILL BE THERE AND ARE THERE John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Heaven or Hell? A PRAYER FOR SALVATION THROUGH FAITH “I know that I am a sinner and need your forgiveness. I believe that Christ died for my sins and rose three days later from the grave. Thank you for forgiving my sin on the cross. You alone Jesus is now why I have forgiveness and eternal life. Thank you in Jesus name. Amen.” If you have prayed this with faith you are Forgiven and now in the Body of Christ. Welcome brother or sister. Remember saying a prayer does not save you, having Faith does in Jesus and what He did for you. I encourage you to find a Godly Bible believing church as well God Bless

[@vlnow]

Crazy vegans, please listen to this guy.

[@wenqing3992]

Poultry & livestock are more accurate. Is tethering horse animal cruelty? Shall we feel "happy" for anyone willing to die early" and "help"? Euthanasia is inhumane.

[@sylviamontaez3889]

The fact oxford union invited this monster to speak shows how little they care for the disabled

[@ecclesiastes7]

I am not sure you fully understand Peter Singer's views on the issue of persons with disability. He is not the monster you describe.

[@sylviamontaez3889]

@ecclesiastes7 arguing that humans with conditions like down syndrome and alzheimers don't count as people is inherently wrong. it's no wonder he's hated by disability rights charities

[@WimbledonEngland]

@@sylviamontaez3889I’m not familiar with that aspect of his work could you give me some references? My guess his arguments in this regard are probably more nuanced than you’ve portrayed here

[@zeebpc]

peter singers utilitarianism doesnt really make sense and is contradictory. why are we morally obligated to donate to poor countries if our donations go to majorly meat eaters?

[@zeebpc]

1. why care about climate change if it reduces wildlife population and predation, and gets rid of vast swarths of humans that exploit animals, reduces net suffering? 2. why care about extinction if it eliminates suffering, wellbeing cant be "missed out" on by any being that doesnt exist. non identity problem. surely singer knows that? 3. why would he want to spread humans to mars and other planets? just so they can build factory farms throughout the universe? isnt that against his utilitarianism? makes no sense. singer talks about utilitarianism but doesnt even follow it to its conclusions.

[@joshyman221]

Because the obligation to not eat meat only comes when we lead an affluent life. If it’s between a human or a cow, you ought to pick the human. You can literally save human lives by donating a portion of your salary.

[@zeebpc]

@@joshyman221 "Because the obligation to not eat meat only comes when we lead an affluent life" if im homeless and starving, it could be really beneficial to me and even save my life to murder a stranger and steal his belongings or property. do homeless people not have an obligation to not violate others rights just because theyre in a lowly position? "If it’s between a human or a cow, you ought to pick the human" whats the argument for this? name the trait lacking in the animal that the human has which grants the human special consideration

[@user-xz8er1rt2r]

لا يوجد أى رسالة سماوية تحرم او تمنع أكل اللحوم سواء كان الإسلام او المسيحية أو حتى اليهودية وإن هذه الكائنات قد هيأها الله او بمعنى آخر إلاهنا سخرها لذلك كما أن النباتات أيضا تتنفس مثل الإنسان والحيوان فلماذا لا نحرم أكلها ايضا قياسا على ذلك يا أخى العزيز لماذا نضيق على انفسنا ونحرم ما أحله الله فقد حرمت جميع الرسالات إيذاء أى كائن حى بالضرب او السجن او الاعتداء عليه ولكن أكله مباح وليس محرم Translate it into your language

[@joshyman221]

@@zeebpc the trait is language capacity and (edit: moral) intelligence. And also no the argument with the homeless person doesn’t work because they aren’t even close to a situation where there is no alternative to killing someone.

[@Cacofonixravi]

It was Buddha/ Mahavira probably the well known pioneer vegetarians who advocated compassion. Hinduism (not a religion, folk rituals) has taken a lot from them and imbibed into it, but majority of people living in the Indian subcontinent are non vegetarians.

[@TheDailyGroov]

Based on the plethora of data out now about Meat nutrition, vegan nutrition and the diverse way in which an individuals utilizes the food we give it, he's either not read or ignored alot of this stuff. Maybe hes a bit narrow sighted as hes clearly ideologically driven. Putting aside the fact 1000s of creatures get slaughtered even when harvesting an acre of arable land also undermines his position. Hes drawing the line in the sand where he sees fit, which is like every other vegan i know. Some have honey, some wont and boy i love watching them argue about it! Britain also led the way when it came to animal rights, way before Brussels started with it, this guy really is rather ignorant in some respects. *edit He thinks Brussels is less corrupt than the UK parliament, OK this is quite frankly hilarious. Switching off after 19 minutes, maybe im going to miss his best stuff.. sorry

[@krystalccameron7689]

He was 10 minutes into his talk when I realised the psudointellect that puts all other living creatures above the health and continuation of the human species. Compassion for us is in living mal-nourished lives with care to create as little waste as possible and not reproduce (a baby is just more human waste that oppresses women afterall) so a clean slate is left behind when you pay to have yourself euthanized. I've met these vegans, who put wet eyed love for animals above all, they try to rationalize everything else about the evils of meat only after they've arrived at the position that "I won't eat my animal friends". Never mind that animals would feel no remorse after killing and eating them.

[@Searchforfulltruth911]

1000s of creatures or insects

[@alexostgaard3334]

More crops need to be harvested to feed the animals we eat than if we just ate the crops directly. And yes, arbitrary lines do need to be drawn when it comes to this issue, but that's unavoidable and also true of a lot of issues! E.g. what should the age of consent be? Presumably you also draw an arbitrary line in the sand there where you see fit!

[@TheDailyGroov]

@@alexostgaard3334 what a terrible analogy, age of consent is something that societies establish. We know if you start having sex with 8 years old it's leads to some pretty horrendous psychological outcomes for those individuals. Consent laws are not arbitrary. Crop abundance is not an issue either and you know it. This is an ideological issue, a nutritional issue. Eat meat/don't eat meat, I want to live in a society where you are free to exercise that choice. Don't force your ideological stances on me. We don't live in an authoritarian state yet. I presume you aren't in support of banning abortion?

[@alexostgaard3334]

@@TheDailyGroov I’m not saying crop abundance is itself an issue. I’m just saying that if one is seeking to reduce animal suffering, then veganism is a better way of doing that than meat eating because it harms fewer animals both on factory farms/slaughterhouses AND during the harvesting of crops. And I agree, merely having age of consent laws *at all* is not arbitrary. There are very good reasons for it as you noted. But what is arbitrary is the precise age we set it at. Should it be 18? 17? 17.432? There’s no objective reason to select any one number *in particular* so eventually we’ve just got to draw an arbitrary line in the sand. Whenever you need to set some policy where there’s a continuum like that, then you’ve got to draw an arbitrary line whether you like it or not! Similarly, we can imagine a continuum of organisms by sentience, ranging from bacteria on one end to humans on the other. Where on that continuum does it become wrong to kill / inflict harm? Presumably you think it’s wrong to kill other humans. What about chimpanzees? If not, then what about an Australopithecus? How about a Neanderthal? *Everyone* needs to draw an arbitrary line somewhere - vegans and non vegans alike!