Philosophy: Peter Singer and Utilitarianism

This week, we will be discussing Peter Singer's 'The Life You Can Save', inviting critical discussion on moral obligation, effective giving, and global justice. This session will be delivered by Hussein.

Singer argues that if we can prevent suffering and death from extreme poverty without sacrificing anything of comparable moral importance, then we are morally obligated to do so. He challenges the traditional boundaries of charity by framing it not as generosity but as a duty—and suggests that individuals in affluent societies can have a transformative impact by giving effectively. The book also addresses common psychological and practical barriers to giving and offers concrete guidance on how to overcome them.

We will be meeting at the Captain Melville, 34 Franklin St in Melbourne CBD at 2:00pm. Note these events are a roundtable format, often with vigorous debate, so please come ready to challenge assumptions and have your own assumptions challenged!

No pre-reading is necessary, but for those interested, materials for the session can be downloaded from here: https://share.google/N73UmTD4clh4IUx4h

Some points and questions to consider before the event:

• If you walked past a drowning child, would you save them—even if it ruined your clothes? Why should our response to global poverty be any different?
• Where do we draw the line between charity and obligation?
• How much should we be expected to give—and who decides?
• Does effective altruism oversimplify the complexities of global inequality?
• Can one person truly make a difference?

Hope to see you there!