Peter Singer

The other day I was watching ABC’s The Drum where Peter Singer was talking about the importance of giving to charitable causes to help alleviate global poverty. Good stuff from Singer, but out of nowhere comes a reference to Catholic Archbishop of Sydney Cardinal George Pell from one of the panelists.

And where did these hats end up?

Apparently Pell, at some point, had said that there is no genuine altruism, people only do good because it makes them feel good (well duh, I’ve heard that before). Anyway, next thing I know the inference is being made that Pell would rather have us walk around flagellating ourselves than giving to charitable causes.

There I am, watching the show, and I’m just baffled as to how went from generous giving to medieval self-mutilation at the behest of George Pell. Then it finally dawns on me, “Of course, this is the The Drum, the final credits can’t roll without at least one Catholic being bashed.” I should have known better.

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  • Bern says:

    01:54pm | 17/05/12

    Totally agree, the Catholic Church started schools for the poor, hospitals, shelters for the homeless, St Vincent de Paul Charity Stores, Universities, University colleges and many many positive social programmes in society. Read more »

  • Liz says:

    01:41pm | 17/05/12

    DLP also have a member of parliament in the Victorian Upper House so that makes 2 members of parliament and countless others are in public life because of the words of BA Santamaria and Cardinal Pell Read more »

 

The Jerry Springer of modern philosophy was in good form when he addressed a packed crowd on Wednesday evening in the Great Hall of the University of Sydney.

Peter, Peter! Photo: Graham Grouch

Peter Singer, now a professor at Princeton University in the US, was back in his native Australia for a visit.

Most philosophers count themselves lucky if their mother appreciates their work. But Singer is regarded - by journalists, at least - as the most influential living philosopher. In fact, at Sydney Uni, he was introduced with the fulsome praise normally reserved for superannuated television stars: “If we had a collection of national living treasures, Peter would certainly stand tall amongst them.”

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  • Ruby says:

    10:33pm | 17/04/12

    In the context of the rest of the comments this is a bit off topic but what’s with the authors jab at vegetarians/vegans as not being well-fed? Does he not know about vegetables? Fruits? Grains? This is worrying. I guess non-vegetarians just have that ‘ruddy’ look that accompanies an increased… Read more »

  • Joanne King says:

    06:10am | 21/06/11

    Methinks Mr Cook protesteth too loud. Read more »

 

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