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A Study on Peter Singer's Bioethics - Focused on the notions of 'Preference' and 'Person' -

  • Journal of the Korea Bioethics Association
  • 2010, 11(2), pp.39-58
  • Publisher : The Korean Bioethics Association
  • Research Area : Interdisciplinary Studies > Interdisciplinary Research

김광태 1

1공주대학교

Candidate

ABSTRACT

I propose the driving force behind Peter Singer's ethical theory is the question "how are we to live?". Such a question leads to the issue of ultimate values. I suggest that when developing his moral argument Singer has three basic goals. As an activist, deeply committed to having a positive impact on the world, he wants to develop a theory of right action. As an analytical philosopher, Singer also wants to establish a foundation for his moral theory, in order to argue against the intuitionists' approach to ethics. And Singer also hopes to go beyond the theory of universal prescriptivism, to be able to claim that the ethical life applies to all human beings, not just to those who embrace the moral point of view. Peter Singer, known as 'dangerous philosopher', proposes a "Copernican Revolution" in moral philosophy which challenges the basic precepts and code of ethics that have previously governed life and death. He rejects the traditional ethics, which is based upon the sanctity of human life. Singer recommends a new system built around the valuation of the 'person' and the principle of preference utilitarianism. Utilizing this new framework, he advocates the normalization and legalization of abortion, infanticide, euthanasia, and assisted suicide.

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