Abstract
Peter Singer’s approach to ethics as a utilitarian preference seems to have little to say to Christian ethics. But for a host of important issues, and in particular for those related to ecological ethics, this article argues that this perception is fundamentally mistaken. When comparing Singer’s views to a Roman Catholic approach, we find that their disagreement with regard to ecological concern, though significant and important to address, is surprisingly narrow—limited to topics such as intrinsic value and overpopulation. We find broad agreement not only with regard to the seriousness of our ecological problems but more importantly about the radical lifestyle changes that the developed world is morally required to make to adequately address it. The article concludes that, because both approaches have such power in their respective spheres of influence, our ecological crises demand that they work together to change hearts, minds, and lifestyles.
Recommended Citation
Camosy, Charles C.
(2012)
"Intellectual Strangers No More? Peter Singer and Roman Catholicism on Ecological Concern,"
Claritas: Journal of Dialogue and Culture: Vol. 1
:
No.
2,
Article 7.
Available at:
https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/claritas/vol1/iss2/7