Author Description
Love him or hate him, you certainly can't ignore him. For the past twenty years, Australian philosopher and professor of bioethics Peter Singer has pushed the hot buttons of our collective conscience. In addition to writing the book that sparked the modern animal rights movement, Singer has challenged our most closely held beliefs on the sanctity of human life, the moral obligation's of citizens of affluent nations toward those living in the poorest countries of the world, and much more, with arguments that intrigue as often and as powerfully as they incite.Writings On An Ethical Life offers a comprehensive collection of Singer's best and most provocative writing, as chosen by Singer himself. Among the controversial subjects addressed are the moral status of animals, environmental account-ablility, abortion, infanticide, euthanasia, and the ultimate choice of living an ethical life. This book provides an unsurpassed one-volume view of both the underpinnings and the applications of Singer's governing philosophy.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This collection investigates the practical application of utilitarian ethics to the most contentious moral dilemmas of contemporary society. Peter Singer, a prominent professor of bioethics, curates a selection of his own influential essays to demonstrate how rational inquiry can reshape our understanding of human and animal rights. The text argues that traditional moral frameworks often fail to address the complexities of modern existence, proposing instead a consistent application of ethical principles to issues of global poverty, life, and death.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Essays regarding the moral status of animals and environmental accountability
- Philosophical arguments concerning abortion, infanticide, and euthanasia
- Analyses of the moral obligations of affluent nations toward the global poor
Scope Limits
- The text does not provide a comprehensive history of utilitarianism
- It does not offer a neutral overview of opposing religious or deontological perspectives
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts recognize this volume as a foundational entry point for those seeking to understand Singer's specific brand of preference utilitarianism. Readers frequently note the intellectual rigor and provocative nature of the prose, which challenges conventional moral intuition.
Page Count:
384
Publication Date:
2001-09-18
ISBN-10:
0060007443
ISBN-13:
9780060007447
Self-help
Non-Fiction
Philosophy
Politics & Social Sciences
Political Philosophy
Ethics & Morality
Social Philosophy
BIOETHICS
Ethics
Social Issues
Personal Transformation