An anencephalic infant (born with only a brain stem, no cerebrum, destined never to be conscious) has less moral significance than a dog, cow, or pig because those animals can experience things and have good or bad lives from their perspective, whereas the anencephalic infant will never have conscious experiences.

normativepending

Speaker

Peter Singer

Evidence Quote

their life in itself has less significance or importance than the life of a dog or a cow or a pig

Source

Animal Minds & Moral Truths: A Conversation with Peter Singer (Episode #342)Sam Harris
Created: 8/12/2026, 6:38:38 PM

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