thinkers of recent years: PETER SINGER

He is said to be the architect of the Culture of Death. An Australian philosopher, Peter Singer is best known for his book ANIMAL LIBERATION, which is regarded as the touchstone of the animal liberation movement. His work, of course, played a vital role in shaping the contemporary animal rights movement, and has influenced hundreds of thousands to become vegetarians. Once, describing himself as a Utilitarian, he said that “I don't see the rule against lying as absolute; it's always subject to some overriding utility which may prevent its exercise.” Based on this Utilitarian calculation, Singer argues for abortion, euthanasia and infanticide. That is why he is one of the most controversial thinkers of the world. Singer's positions have been criticised by groups concerned with what they see as his attack upon human dignity, such as advocates for disabled people and right-to-life supporters.

Controversial, yet Singer is arguably the most influential philosopher in the world today. A Professor of Bioethics at Princeton University and Laureate Professor at the University of Melbourne, Singer is one of the most influential philosophers of recent years. In this write up, which is a part of a series on the thinkers of recent years, I want to cite his ideology to my Assamese readers in my regular column of SATSORI.