Interview with Pr. Peter Singer [Éthique et économique/Ethics and Economics, 4 (1), 2006]

Abstract

"Julien Delord (J.D.) : -“ Pr. Singer, what is the overarching goal of your thought beyond the defense of utilitarianism, i.e. the reduction of pain and the maximization of pleasure in the world? Is there a theory behind your choice of causes to which you apply your ethics or is it just a matter of subjective inclination?” Peter Singer (P.S.) : -“ This is a strange question, because you state what the ultimate goal is, and then you ask what is beyond it. But first, let’s state the goal more accurately. Since I’m a preference utilitarian, my goal is not exactly the reduction of pain and the maximization of pleasure, but rather the maximization of the satisfaction of preferences. The goal, in other words, is that beings with conscious preferences should, as far as possible, have what they prefer. Stronger, or more intense preferences, of course, get more weight in this calculation than weaker ones. That is the goal of my form of utilitarianism."(pg 1)