The Ethics of Giving - Public Lecture
17 July 2003 at 1:07 pm
To mark the start of the Swinburne Graduate Course in Philanthropy and Social Investment,
Born and raised in Melbourne, Singer now works at Princeton University in the US. His views on animal liberation, human life and death and other ethical dilemmas have raise great controversy over the years.
In a recent book by Denis Tracey called Giving It Away: In Praise of Philanthropy, Singer is quoted as saying that if we are to change the culture of Australia, we need to challenge the idea that you can live a morally decent life by just looking after your own family and not actually causing harm to others.
Singer says there’s a need to develop a sense that, if we have abundance, we are actually doing wrong if we don’t share it.
He says part of the job is to show people how easy it really is to make a difference, but the harder question is with whom?
He says we have an urge to share with our children and close kin as well as people in need.
However he says problems arise when the sharing involves strangers, people who are neither kin, nor likely to reciprocate.
Professor Peter Singer will present his views on The Ethics of Giving on Tuesday 22nd July, 2003 at the State Library of Victoria, Swanston Street, Melbourne (entry in la Trobe Street, Door 3) at 6.0pm.
Swinburne is offering a special discount rate for readers of Pro Bono Australia of $49 including GST. The normal rate is $65 including GST.
Bookings are essential. If you would like a registration form just send us an email to corpnews@probonoaustralia.com.au.
