The Buddhist and the Ethicist

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 Australian 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.

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.

Peter Singer, the 'father of the modern animal welfare movement', was named one of the most influential people in the world by Time magazine. An Australian philosopher and professor of bioethics, he has contributed to more than fifty books, which have been translated into more than thirty languages. Singer is founder of The Life You Can Save nonprofit and a professor of bioethics at Princeton University as well as Laureate Professor at the University of Melbourne.

Shih Chao-Hwei is a Buddhist monastic, social activist, scholar and recent winner of the Niwano Peace Prize. A leading advocate for animal rights, a vocal supporter of same-sex marriage and a key figure in the Buddhist gender equality movement, she is also a professor at Hsuan Chuang University and the founder of Hong Shih Buddhist College.

‘Peter Singer’s status as a man of principles and towering intellect—a philosopher extraordinaire, if you will—is unrivalled in Australia.’ Sydney Morning Herald

‘A public intellectual par excellence.‘ Monthly