Why people recommend it
Practical Ethics by Peter Singer is an influential philosophical work that examines applied ethics, moral issues, and the definition of equality in modern society. On Modern Wisdom, Alex O'Connor recommended the book as a remarkably solid introduction to ethical questions, noting that the author thoughtfully covers complex dilemmas regarding what equality actually means and when taking a life might be considered permissible. Later, on People I (Mostly) Admire, Peter Singer himself discussed the real-world reception and international trajectory of the book, recalling how translations of Practical Ethics—specifically a chapter addressing controversial bioethical issues—sparked intense protests in Germany that significantly impacted the distribution and reception of his work abroad. The book remains a foundational text for anyone seeking to engage with contemporary moral philosophy and controversial public debates.
Who recommended it
- Peter Singer Discussed
- Alex O’Connor Recommended
Peter Singer — 1 mention
“and I can trace that because my book practical ethics in which one chapter talks about these issues had been translated into German”
Alex O’Connor — 1 mention
“you can also read peter singer's practical ethics where he he goes over and kind of discusses what does equality mean when is it okay to kill you know like all of these kind of these kind of questions it's a really good introduction”
Also mentioned in the same episodes
- Animal Liberation
- Ethics in the Real World
- Famine, affluence, and morality
- Justice
- Marriage and morals
- Meditations
Other mentions (1: passing, ad reads, own books)
“I can trace that because my book practical ethics in which one chapter talks about these issues had been translated into German several years before the first protest in 1989 and it had hardly sold any copies”