Singer (2011) argues that the development of moral ethics depends on other forms of human development such as reasoning, judgment, and interactions. That is the reason why moral development takes place over hundreds of years. He uses the analogy of development of mathematical skills to explain the evolution of ethics; it happens in an attempt to solve human needs. And when the solution turns out favorable, it becomes part of the societal norms. The tendency of human beings to treat their kins well and be hostile to strangers has its roots in genetics. But as human reasoning, language, and interactions between different groups improve, the circle of people that a particular person or group is obliged to treat well increases gradually. With time, the genes of hostilities to other groups are suppressed.
If Singer’s (2011) idea of moral progress is placed in the context of women rights, acceptance of the LGBT community, and end of slavery, he seems to suggest that such developments are inevitable. The growth of minority rights is underpinned in the idea of impartiality in moral reasoning, which Singer (2011) defends in this chapter. Singer argues that moral development comes about when the ethics of an individual or group move from being dictated by personal interests to consideration of the needs of other groups. The development of human reasoning and the widening of social spheres mean that the advancement of minority rights was inevitable.
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Over the years, human beings have undergone different physical and mental development in response to the changing environment ( Bronfenbrenner & Morris, 2007 ). Reasoning is one of the areas where humans have witnessed considerable development. Singer argues that as humans move from generation to generation, they become more rational in their judgment. The evolution in reasoning places customary practices under pressure as people start rejecting customs as a source of moral authority. Singer (2011) suggests that criticism of customary standards is a result of advancement in human reasoning. When people question customary habits, they become more considerate to the interests of others when resolving ideological disputes. For instance, when conservative communities factor in the needs of LGBTs in their decision making, the result is a harmonious coexistence.
Singer (2011) also suggests that the expansion of social circles makes the advancement of the rights of minorities inevitable. Increased mobility, education, and avenues for intellectual discussions create bigger groupings that swallow the traditional groups that served as the basis of moral justification. Democracy created a platform for moral criticism while factors like mobility and education widened the social sphere, meaning discrimination of minorities could not stand the test of time.
One of the most persuasive counter-arguments against ethical impartiality and an ever-increasing social circle is the idea of disinterested egoism. One might argue that society is better off when everyone works to better their own interests. That entails furthering one's interests regardless of their effects on others. Such ideas are synonymous with capitalists; they argue that the interests of society as a whole are better taken care of by egoism as there is a personal motivation to succeed ( Schumpeter, 2010) . Though the success of capitalistic markets is often put forward as the defense to self-interest, it would be wrong to ignore the disharmony that such a system can create. Ethical egoism means becoming indifferent to the views and objections of other people. That removes objectivity in social interactions and creates a society full of tension and conflicts.
Singer’s (2011) idea of the ever-expanding circle offers a robust moral philosophy. Regardless of whether the concept is used to explain or prescribe human behavior, it is what the world needs in order to create a tolerant, harmonious society.
References
Bronfenbrenner, U., & Morris, P. A. (2007). The bioecological model of human development. Handbook of child psychology , 1
Schumpeter, J. A. (2010). Capitalism, socialism, and democracy . Routledge
Singer, P. (2011). The expanding circle: Ethics, evolution, and moral progress . Princeton University Press
