Motivated Reasoning: Why We Believe What We Want with Peter Singer

What does it actually mean to live a good life in a world that feels increasingly complex, divided, and emotionally charged? 

In this conversation, I speak with world-renowned moral philosopher and professor of bioethics Peter Singer to unpack some of the hardest questions of our time—from the ethics of global conflict and public discourse, to why we ignore suffering we could prevent, and what we really owe one another. 

We explore the tension between outrage and empathy, the psychology behind why we cling to certain beliefs even when faced with evidence, and how identity can quietly shape (and limit) our thinking. Peter also shares the personal story of how he radically changed his own views, and why being willing to revise your beliefs isn’t just intellectual humility… it’s a moral responsibility. 

And Peter explains how to make donations to charity have the greatest impact in 2026. 
 

LINKS 

• More info on The Life You Can Save’s work 

• Grab Peter’s book ‘The Life You Can Save’ for free 

• Listen to Peter’s podcast ‘Lives Well Lived’ 

• Sign up to the Better Than Yesterday newsletter 

• Watch episodes of Better Than Yesterday on YouTube 

• Watch full stories recorded live at Story Club on YouTube 

• Get tickets for our next Story Club show 

• Get Osher's latest book "So What? Now What?" here 

• Send a pic of what you're looking at to [email protected] 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.