Philosophize This! Episode #209: Improving Our World Through Applied Ethics

Release Date: August 26, 2024
Hosts: Stephen West, featuring guests Peter Singer and Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of Philosophize This!, host Stephen West engages in a profound discussion with two titans of contemporary philosophy: Peter Singer and Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek. The conversation delves into the realm of applied ethics, examining how philosophical principles can be harnessed to address and improve real-world issues within our current socio-economic frameworks.

Framing the Critique: Capitalism and Applied Ethics

Stephen West initiates the conversation by presenting a critique commonly leveled against Singer's work: an anti-capitalist stance. He articulates a perspective that liberal democratic capitalism is inherently flawed, suggesting that efforts to address moral issues like animal rights and global poverty merely patch superficial problems without tackling the systemic exploitation at capitalism’s core.

Stephen West [05:30]: "What you're really doing is plugging holes on a sinking ship that liberal democratic capitalism has proven itself to be a failed system."

Peter Singer's Response: Acknowledging Progress Under Capitalism

Peter Singer counters this critique by highlighting the significant progress made under capitalist systems. He brings forth compelling statistics to illustrate improvements in global poverty rates, child mortality, life expectancy, literacy, and access to technology. Singer argues that while capitalism is not without its flaws, it has facilitated unprecedented advancements in human well-being.

Peter Singer [10:45]: "Fewer people are in poverty today than ever before in the history of the world. In 1820, 94% of the world was in extreme poverty. Today, it's less than 10%."

Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek: The Diversity of Capitalist Models

Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek expands on Singer’s points by emphasizing the variety within capitalist systems. She contrasts countries like Sweden and the United States, illustrating how different implementations of capitalism can lead to diverse social outcomes. Radek underscores the importance of recognizing these variations instead of treating capitalism as a monolithic entity.

Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek [18:20]: "When you talk about capitalism in this overly broad way, what are you even talking about? Sweden and the United States are both capitalist, but their social outcomes are vastly different."

Applied Ethics: Practical Solutions Within Existing Systems

The conversation shifts to the role of applied ethics in enacting change without dismantling existing economic structures. Singer and Radek advocate for leveraging the strengths of capitalism—such as productivity and technological innovation—to address and mitigate social injustices. They argue that comprehensive and informed ethical engagement can lead to meaningful improvements without necessitating a total systemic overhaul.

Peter Singer [25:10]: "Capitalism is not perfect, but if you threw it out today, you'd still have problems tomorrow. We need to work within the system to distribute a decent standard of living to everyone."

Activism and Behavioral Change: Moving Beyond Traditional Methods

Stephen West explores the effectiveness of traditional activism in fostering lasting behavioral change. He raises concerns that conventional methods—like protests and signboards—often engender skepticism and fail to inspire meaningful action. In response, Singer and Radek discuss innovative approaches to activism that prioritize authenticity and gradual shifts in social norms.

Stephen West [35:50]: "What would it take to get more people to change their behavior on a more permanent basis?"

Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek [36:15]: "Authenticity is key. If you're trying to influence people, you have to genuinely embody the values you're promoting."

Education: Integrating Philosophy and Ethics in Schools

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the importance of integrating philosophy and ethical reasoning into educational curricula. Singer emphasizes the positive impact of programs like Philosophy for Children, which foster critical thinking and social responsibility from an early age. This educational approach aims to cultivate a generation equipped to engage thoughtfully with complex moral issues.

Peter Singer [40:30]: "In South Korea, they've reformed their education system to include ethics and critical thinking. Students are inspired by philosophical discussions long before they reach high school."

Effective Altruism: A Movement Rooted in Applied Ethics

The episode delves into the Effective Altruism movement, inspired by Singer's book The Life You Can Save. This movement emphasizes evidence-based charitable actions to maximize positive impact. Singer highlights the tangible successes achieved through effective altruism, such as combating malaria and alleviating extreme poverty, showcasing how philosophical principles can translate into real-world benefits.

Stephen West [50:05]: "Effective altruist charities have saved hundreds of thousands of lives and influenced major corporations to adopt humane practices."

Peter Singer [51:20]: "The Effective Altruist movement stands as a testament to what's possible when people engage deeply with ethical issues and commit to making a difference."

Innovative Forms of Activism: Leveraging Digital Influences

Exploring beyond traditional activism, the conversation touches on creative strategies like meme warfare and influencer-driven advocacy. West proposes the idea of philosophers adopting influencer roles to disseminate ethical messages more effectively. Radek responds by stressing the importance of authenticity and genuine commitment to ethical causes when engaging in such roles.

Stephen West [60:45]: "What if Noam Chomsky was ripped and started advocating imperialism fitness? Could that change public perception?"

Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek [61:10]: "Authenticity is crucial. You can't just adopt an influencer persona without genuinely believing in the message you're promoting."

Conclusion: Building on Progress and Future Directions

As the episode concludes, Singer and Radek emphasize the importance of continued ethical engagement and the adoption of varied strategies to foster societal improvement. They advocate for a collaborative approach that leverages both traditional and innovative methods to address persistent global challenges, underscoring the potential for sustained progress through applied ethics.

Peter Singer [70:00]: "There’s still much to be done, but movements like Effective Altruism show us that meaningful change is achievable when we apply ethical principles thoughtfully and consistently."

Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek [71:25]: "We need to accept the limitations of any single ethical theory and utilize multiple frameworks to navigate the complexities of the modern world."

Final Remarks

Stephen West wraps up the episode by acknowledging the invaluable contributions of Peter Singer and Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek, directing listeners to their latest works and encouraging engagement with their ongoing projects. The episode serves as a compelling exploration of how applied ethics can pragmatically address and ameliorate some of the most pressing issues facing our world today.

Notable Resources Mentioned:

• The Life You Can Save by Peter Singer
• The Philosophy of Pleasure by Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek
• Substack: Bold Reasoning With Peter Singer
• Podcast: Lives Well Lived with Peter Singer and Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek
• Effective Altruism Movement: thelifeyoucansave.org

Upcoming Episode: Paolo Freire's Pedagogy of the Oppressed

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from Philosophize This! Episode #209, providing an in-depth overview for those seeking to understand the intersection of applied ethics and societal improvement without having listened to the episode.