Can we really believe that we are living a good life, an ethically decent life if we don't do anything serious to help reduce poverty around the world and help save the lives of children or adults who are likely to die if we don't increase the amount of aid we are giving.

Not only does his principle justify different treatment for different interests but it allows different treatment for the same interest when diminishing marginal utility is a factor. He is a major proponent of biocentrism. Among the more important human interests are those in avoiding pain in developing one's abilities in satisfying basic needs for food and Peter Singerlter in enjoying warm personal relationships in being free to pursue one's projects without interference "and many others".

In 2004 he was recognised as the Australian Humanist of the Year by the Council of Australian Humanist Societies and in June 2012 was named a Companion of the Order of Australia for his services to philosophy and bioethics. He was voted one of Australia's ten most influential public intellectuals in 2006.