Peter Singer (1946)
Occupation: Philosopher
Nationality: Australian
Why an honorary doctorate?
The VUB honoured Peter Singer for his groundbreaking work in ethics and social responsibility. His book Animal Liberation (1975) sparked a global animal rights movement, and his ideas on effective altruism have fundamentally reshaped the debate on poverty and global justice. Singer embodies critical thinking and engagement — core values of the VUB.
“If it is in our power to prevent something bad from happening, without sacrificing anything of comparable moral importance, we ought, morally, to do it.”
About his career
Singer studied philosophy and history at the University of Melbourne and earned a BPhil at Oxford in 1971. He taught in Oxford, New York, and Melbourne, and founded the Centre for Human Bioethics at Monash University. From 1999 to 2024, he was Professor of Bioethics at Princeton. He has written over 50 books, including Practical Ethics, The Life You Can Save, and Ethics in the Real World. His work introduced concepts like speciesism and the drowning child argument, and advocates a utilitarian approach to moral decision-making.
Recognition
- Berggruen Prize for Philosophy and Culture (2021)
- BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award (2023)
- Companion of the Order of Australia (2012)
- Named by Time among the 100 Most Influential People (2009)
What is an honorary doctorate?
VUB has awarded honorary doctorates every year since 1978 to personalities from the most diverse backgrounds who have made a remarkable contribution to their field and to society. From this solemn moment of recognition, they bear the honorary title of Doctor Honoris Causa of VUB.