Practical Ethics summary

Ethics and morality are often seen as distinct concepts, but philosopher Peter Singer argues in his groundbreaking approach that they're essentially the same thing. He uses these terms interchangeably, viewing both as the realm of reasoning about right and wrong.

But Singer also emphasizes that ethics isn't about reinforcing any particular moral code, like those of a particular religion or society. Instead, it's a practical tool for critically examining your beliefs and actions every day. There is considerable evidence of ethical behavior in great apes, meaning that the roots of morality run deep in our evolutionary history, predating modern human religions and cultures.

Consider a common scenario: You're walking down the street and spot a wallet on the ground with no one around. Ethics, in Singer's view, isn't about blindly following a preset rule like do not steal. It's about thoughtfully considering the consequences of your actions for everyone involved.

This approach introduces the concept of utilitarianism — the idea that we should act to create the most happiness and reduce the most suffering for all. He refines this further with the idea of preference utilitarianism, meaning that everyone should consider what individuals would prefer if they were fully informed.

For example, imagine someone enjoys smoking cigarettes. A simple utilitarian approach might say this is good because it brings them pleasure. But preference utilitarianism asks us to go further. If this person fully understood the long-term health consequences, financial costs, and effects of smoking on those around them, would choosing that pleasure really be a good thing?

Preference utilitarianism respects individual autonomy while also acknowledging that our immediate desires don't always align with our deeper, more informed preferences. It's about maximizing the satisfaction of these well-informed preferences for all affected individuals, not just pursuing short-term pleasures or following societal norms.

Now imagine you're in a grocery store facing two chocolate bars. One is cheaper but made using child labor. The other costs more but is ethically produced. Singer's approach asks you to weigh the consequences beyond just your immediate benefits of delicious chocolate and cost savings, and consider the greater benefit to all of ending child labor.

This way of thinking often challenges our instincts and societal norms. It pushes individuals to expand their moral circle, considering the interests of beings they might typically ignore — including people in distant countries and also animals. 

And ethics, according to Singer, isn't about finding perfect answers. It's about critically examining choices and their impacts. In the next chapter you'll see how this approach can radically change how you view everyday decisions. From what you eat to how you spend your money, ethical considerations touch every part of your life – whether you realize it or not.