Biography

Professor Peter Singer is a globally renowned philosopher, ethicist, and advocate for change. Born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1946, Singer's life has been dedicated to addressing some of the most pressing moral and ethical issues of our time.

Influential Philosopher and Ethicist

Peter Singer has earned the title of "world's most influential living philosopher" from journalists due to his groundbreaking work in ethics. He is particularly recognized for his contributions to the fields of animal rights and effective altruism. Singer's writings on our treatment of animals have played a pivotal role in shaping the modern animal rights movement and challenging societal norms.

A Force for Change

In 2021, Peter Singer was awarded the prestigious Berggruen Prize for Philosophy and Culture. This honor acknowledged his significant impact in reinvigorating utilitarianism within academic philosophy and as a driving force for positive change in the world. Singer's dedication to his principles was further underscored by his decision to donate the $1 million prize to organizations focused on assisting people living in extreme poverty and alleviating the suffering of animals in factory farms.

Animal Liberation Pioneer

Peter Singer's book, "Animal Liberation," originally published in 1975, is a seminal work that has inspired countless individuals to advocate for the rights and well-being of animals. He co-founded the Australian Federation of Animal Societies (now known as Animals Australia), contributing significantly to the animal rights movement. Peter and his wife, Renata, adopted a vegetarian lifestyle in 1971, aligning their personal choices with their ethical convictions.

Advocate for Global Poverty Alleviation

Through his organization, "The Life You Can Save," Singer promotes the idea of doing more to improve the lives of people living in extreme poverty around the world. His influential essays, including the 1972 classic "Famine, Affluence, and Morality," have made a compelling case for global giving. Singer's books, such as "The Life You Can Save" (2009) and "The Most Good You Can Do" (2015), offer practical guidance on how individuals can make a meaningful impact through effective altruism.

Prolific Author and Academic

Peter Singer's literary contributions are extensive, with over 50 books to his name. Notable works include "Practical Ethics," "The Expanding Circle," "Rethinking Life and Death," "One World," and "The Ethics of What We Eat" (co-authored with Jim Mason), among others. His writings have been translated into more than 25 languages, spreading his ethical principles and ideas to a global audience.

Academic Journey

After completing his education at the University of Melbourne and the University of Oxford, Peter Singer embarked on a teaching career that took him to England, the United States, and Australia. In 1999, he assumed the position of Ira W. DeCamp Professor of Bioethics at Princeton University's University Center for Human Values. While he currently teaches only during the Fall semester at Princeton, Singer dedicates time each year to research and writing in Melbourne, where he enjoys cherished moments with his family and indulges in his love for hiking and surfing.

Peter Singer's life and work are a testament to the profound impact one individual can have in reshaping our ethical landscape, promoting compassion for all living beings, and championing a more just and altruistic world.