Did we discover morality or invent it? | Slavoj Žižek and Peter Singer debate for the first time
390Slavoj Žižek and Peter Singer discuss humanity's place in the moral universe.
Is morality exclusive to humans? Did we create the moral frameworks that hold our societies together, or does our understanding of right and wrong come from somewhere else?
With a free trial, you can watch the full debate NOW at https://iai.tv/video/humanity-and-the-gods-of-nature-slavoj-zizek-peter-singer?utm_source=YouTube
From the time of Socrates we have seen morality as driven by human desires and goals. But many now argue that this human focus is misguided and leaves the natural world in peril. By prioritising human well-being they contend, we have ransacked the earth, eradicated and misused other species, and taken insufficient care of our home, the Earth. We are even planning to do the same to other nearby planets. It is not sufficient for us to protect nature for our benefit, instead they argue nature needs to be preserved for its own sake.
Do we need to re-think morality to find a new framework that no longer places humans at the centre? If so, how are we to assess the well-being of nature independently of our human perspective? Or is the notion that we can escape human goals and desires itself deluded, risking a return to an age where humans are sacrificed to the gods of the natural world?
#ethics #morality #philosophy
Firebrand philosopher Slavoj Žižek, renowned ethicist Peter Singer, and Georgetown professor of philosophy Nancy Sherman, question human centred morality. Hosted by public philosopher Jack Symes.
The Institute of Art and Ideas features videos and articles from cutting edge thinkers discussing the ideas that are shaping the world, from metaphysics to string theory, technology to democracy, aesthetics to genetics. Subscribe today! https://iai.tv/subscribe?utm_source=YouTube
00:00 Introduction
00:20 Morality is not exclusive to humans
01:09 Slavoj Žižek's recent comments about Peter Singer
02:26 Humans are an exception
03:14 The meaning of "degeneracy"
04:07 Peter Singer responds to the current direction of the animal rights movement
05:33 Slavoj Žižek on human interference in nature
For debates and talks: https://iai.tv/
For articles: https://iai.tv/articles
For courses: https://iai.tv/iai-academy/courses