As part of its Global Thinkers Series, the Berggruen Institute China Center at Peking University had the privilege of hosting world-renowned philosopher Peter Singer in Beijing. Singer is the 2021 Berggruen Prize for Philosophy & Culture Laureate. His groundbreaking work on utilitarianism, animal rights, effective altruism, and applied ethics has profoundly shaped 21st century thought.
In his lecture, Singer addressed several common misconceptions about utilitarianism. He responded to concerns that it is overly demanding or applicable only to humans, emphasizing that, in its broadest sense, utilitarianism aligns with many of our deepest values.
Singer also examined the commonly accepted Mandarin translation of utilitarianism—gōnglì zhǔyì (功利主义)—highlighting its subtle misrepresentation as a doctrine of egoism rather than altruism. He underscored the importance of contextual translation, urging that utilitarianism continue to grow and evolve within its Eastern context.
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