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Peter Singer's argument for utilitarianism.

Stephen Buckle1

  • 1Plunkett Centre for Ethics, School of Philosophy, Australian Catholic University, Strathfield, Australia. s.buckle@plunkett.acu.edu.au

Theoretical Medicine and Bioethics
|July 29, 2005
PubMed
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This paper critiques Peter Singer's utilitarian argument, finding it fails to bridge self-interest with universal ethical reasoning. It highlights the incompatibility of Humean and Kantian ethics in Singer's framework.

Area of Science:

  • Meta-ethics
  • Moral Philosophy
  • Ethical Theory

Background:

  • Situates Peter Singer's utilitarian argument within the British meta-ethical tradition.
  • Outlines Singer's reasoning for utilitarianism as the default ethical setting.
  • Examines the hierarchical structure of reasons in Singer's ethical framework.

Discussion:

  • Analyzes Singer's argument that the ethical viewpoint is an extension of self-interest.
  • Critiques the transition from self-interest to an objective ethical standpoint.
  • Identifies the core issue as the conflation of Humean and Kantian ethical concepts.

Key Insights:

  • Singer's utilitarianism relies on a problematic hierarchy of reasons.
  • The argument fails to reconcile self-interest with universal ethical authority.
Keywords:
Bioethics and Professional EthicsPhilosophical Approach

Related Experiment Videos

  • A fundamental incompatibility exists between subordinating reason to interest and reason's universal, authoritative nature.

    • Outlook:

    • Suggests a need for revised meta-ethical frameworks that avoid conflating distinct philosophical traditions.
    • Highlights the challenge of constructing a universally authoritative ethical system from a basis of self-interest.
    • Underscores the importance of clearly delineating the roles of reason and interest in ethical decision-making.