Age Quote by Peter Singer
“Philosophy ought to question the basic assumptions of the age. Thinking through, critically and carefully, what most of us take for granted is, I believe, the chief task of philosophy, and the task that makes philosophy a worthwhile activity.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Practical Ethics by Peter Singer, 1979
Philosophy's role is to challenge widely accepted beliefs and examine underlying assumptions critically.
In simple terms: Philosophy should question common beliefs.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions, think critically.
Themes
critical thinking
philosophy
assumptions
intellectual inquiry
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
analytical
reflective
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- public policy
- personal worldview
- education
- media criticism
Key Concepts
Epistemology
skepticism
normative analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- What beliefs do you accept without questioning?
- How can you test the foundations of your ideas?
A Different Perspective
Assumptions may be deeply entrenched, making change slow.
![“Nineteen thousand children [are] dying every day. Does it really matter that we're not walking past them in the street? Does it really matter that they're far away? I don't think it does make a morally relevant difference.” quote by Peter Singer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cc1/peter-singer-1001_children_nineteen-thousand-children-are-dying-eve_33961.jpg)
