Ethics, Evolution, and Moral Progress

Peter Singer's The Expanding Circle explores the origins and development of ethics, arguing that our moral considerations have broadened throughout history due to reason. The text examines biological roots of altruism in kin selection and reciprocity, while also considering the influence of culture and reason in extending our moral circle beyond immediate groups to strangers and even animals. Singer critically analyzes sociobiological explanations of ethics, questioning whether biology alone can dictate moral values. Ultimately, the book champions impartial reason as a foundation for ethical decision-making, suggesting a continuous expansion of our moral concerns based on the equal consideration of interests.