The Buddhist and the Ethicist : Conversations on Effective Altruism, Engaged Buddhism, and How to Build a Better World

Eastern spirituality and utilitarian philosophy meet in these unique dialogues between a Buddhist monastic and a moral philosopher on such issues as animal welfare, gender equality, the death penalty, and more An unlikely duo—Professor Peter Singer, a preeminent philosopher and professor of bioethics, and Venerable Shih Chao-Hwei, a Taiwanese Buddhist monastic and social activist—join forces to talk ethics in lively conversations that cross oceans, overcome language barriers, and bridge philosophies. The eye-opening dialogues collected here share unique perspectives on contemporary issues like animal welfare, gender equality, the death penalty, and more. Together, these two deep thinkers explore the foundation of ethics and key Buddhist concepts, and ultimately reveal how we can all move toward making the world a better place. "This eye-opening read spans the foundations of ethics and key Buddhist concepts. Professor Peter Singer is a world-renowned moral philosopher and preeminent voice in bioethics whose writings have helped shape the animal rights and effective altruism movements. Venerable Shih Chao-Hwei of Taiwan is a Buddhist monastic and social activist who's been a key figure in the Buddhist gender equality movement. This unlikely duo came together in conversation at a meditation retreat center in 2016 and continued discussions in writing. They shed light on the intersection of philosophy, religion, and day-to-day life"-- Provided by publisher Preface: Differences and Convergences by Peter Singer Preface: The Lights that Shone when Our Paths Crossed by Shih Chao-Hwei Acknowledgments 1. The Foundations of Ethics 2. Key Buddhist Concepts: Karma and Nirvana 3. Women and Equality 4. Sexuality 5. Embryo Research and Abortion 6. Animal Welfare 7. Euthanasia and Suicide 8. The Death Penalty and Killing in War Concluding Reflections Notes Index About the Authors