Episode #209 - Improving our world through applied ethics. (Peter Singer, Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek)
Episode #209 - Improving our world through applied ethics. (Peter Singer, Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek)
Today we talk about Peter Singer’s response to an anticapitalist critique of his work. Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek’s thoughts on different approaches to morality and some pitfalls to avoid. We talk about creative activism and philosophy being more prevalent in school and in public spaces.
This episode features a thoughtful conversation with philosophers Peter Singer and Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek about how to make moral progress within the system we have. Instead of calling for a revolution, they focus on practical ways to reduce suffering using tools already available. They respond to critiques of capitalism by acknowledging its flaws while highlighting real global progress. The episode encourages a more flexible, personal approach to ethics—not as picking sides, but as understanding how different moral ideas work in different situations. It also explores creative activism, the importance of moral education, and how movements like Effective Altruism show what’s possible when people stay engaged.
Further Reading:
The Most Good You Can Do – Peter Singer (2015)
The Expanding Circle: Ethics, Evolution, and Moral Progress – Peter Singer (1981; 2nd ed. 2011)
Utilitarianism: A Very Short Introduction – Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek & Peter Singer (2017)
See the full transcript here
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