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Peter Singer
Effective altruism is built on the simple but unsettling idea that living a fully ethical life involves doing the most good one can. In this course you will examine this idea's philosophical underpinnings; meet remarkable people who have restructured their lives in accordance with it; and think about how effective altruism can be put into practice in your own life.
Read more
Effective altruism is built on the simple but unsettling idea that living a fully ethical life involves doing the most good one can. In this course you will examine this idea's philosophical underpinnings; meet remarkable people who have restructured their lives in accordance with it; and think about how effective altruism can be put into practice in your own life.
Read more
Effective altruism is built on the simple but unsettling idea that living a fully ethical life involves doing the most good one can. In this course you will examine this idea's philosophical underpinnings; meet remarkable people who have restructured their lives in accordance with it; and think about how effective altruism can be put into practice in your own life.
All the features of this course are available for free. It does not offer a certificate upon completion.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/onve7u/effective
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What's inside
Syllabus
Getting Started with the Course
This week we share what this course is about. We will give those of you who do not have a background in philosophy, or who need a refresher, an opportunity to study two areas of ethics: meta-ethics and normative ethical theories.
Read more
Syllabus
Getting Started with the Course
This week we share what this course is about. We will give those of you who do not have a background in philosophy, or who need a refresher, an opportunity to study two areas of ethics: meta-ethics and normative ethical theories.
Read more
Poverty and Affluence
What obligations do the affluent have towards those who live in extreme poverty? This week we look at one distinct argument based on consequentialist ethics and also begin the discussion of the effectiveness of aid programs. This week also includes a conversation with Raymond Offenheiser. Furthermore, we discuss poverty as human rights violations. You will also find a conversation with Dean Karlan about effective solutions to poverty problems in this week.
What is the Best Cause? How Much Ought We Do to Help Others?
How do you get the most value for your charitable dollars? How can you compare different causes to each other, and how do you compare different charities to each other? One of the guests this week is Elie Hassenfeld from GiveWell, an organization that tries to find the answers to these questions. This week you will also meet three individuals who in different ways embody the ideal of effective altruism: Zell Kravinsky, Julia Wise and Alexander Berger.
Effective Altruism and Career Choice
This week Will MacAskill and Matt Wage discuss effective altruism and career choice.
The Giving Game
In this week you will have the opportunity to play the Giving Game.
Why Act Ethically?
In this last week, we circle back to some foundational questions in ethics. What is the relationship between rationality, self-interest, and ethics? How demanding is morality, and why exactly should be trying to live an ethical life? In this week you will also find the final essay assignment.
Now that you have reached the end of the course, we would also very much appreciate your feedback. You may either submit a review on Class Central by going to https://www.classcentral.com/course/effectivealtruism-3446 — which will also help other learners discover the course — or send us an email to [email protected]. Thank you!
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Examines consequentialist ethics, which emphasizes the consequences of actions and may resonate with those interested in effective outcomes
Emphasizes a wide range of concepts, from meta-ethics to effective altruism, building a strong framework for those seeking to understand ethical decision-making
Taught by Peter Singer, a globally recognized ethicist, providing learners with access to an unparalleled wealth of knowledge and expertise
Explores the practical implications of ethical principles, guiding learners in applying these principles to real-world challenges
Includes conversations with individuals who have dedicated their lives to effective altruism, offering inspiring examples of ethical action
Provides opportunities for learners to engage with the material through discussions, assignments, and role-playing exercises, fostering deeper understanding
Save this course
Save Effective Altruism to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Generally positive ea course
According to students, Effective Altruism is a thought-provoking course that goes beyond expectations. Students particularly enjoyed the discussions with guest speakers and important issues learned. However, some learners found the course to be more promotional than ethical and wish there were more assignments and discussion.
Students enjoy discussions with guest speakers.
"I really enjoyed the course and it went beyond my expectations."
"The best part for me were the discussions Peter had with the various guests."
Students find course content engaging.
"This course is essential for personal development and for anyone wanting a practical understanding of ethical philosophy."
"The thought-provoking material of this course cannot help but move you personally."
"It is a course I will be contemplating for a lifetime to come."
Students wish there were more assignments.
"There are no assignments except for one essay, and the course does not offer certificates."
Students wish there were more discussion.
"However, there is a nice exercise in which you have to pick a charity, but the discussion forums were empty, there were no mentors, and there was no one to discuss the choice with."
Students find the course to be more promotional than ethical.
"The issues learned are important, but I was expecting more ethics and philosophical issues, rather than presenting people and charities, it seemed more like advertising certain charities."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Effective Altruism with these
activities:
Review your knowledge of basic ethics
Show steps
This activity will help to ensure that you have the necessary background knowledge to succeed in this course.
Show steps
-
Read an introductory text on ethics
-
Take a practice test on basic ethics
Compile a list of resources on effective altruism
Show steps
This activity will help you to create a personalized learning resource that you can refer to in the future.
Show steps
-
Search for online resources on effective altruism
-
Compile a list of the most helpful resources
-
Organize your list into different categories
Read Peter Singer's The Life You Can Save
Show steps
This book is a foundational text in the field of effective altruism. It will familiarize you with the key concepts and arguments of the movement, and will help you to develop your own views on effective giving.
View
Consider the Turkey
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book
-
Take notes on the key ideas
-
Summarize the book in your own words
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Take a practice test on effective altruism
Show steps
This activity will help you to assess your understanding of the key concepts and arguments of effective altruism.
Show steps
-
Find a practice test
-
Take the practice test
-
Review your results
Discuss effective altruism with a friend or colleague
Show steps
This activity will help you to deepen your understanding of effective altruism by discussing the key concepts and arguments with someone else.
Show steps
-
Find someone to discuss effective altruism with
-
Schedule a time to meet
-
Discuss the key concepts and arguments of effective altruism
Write a blog post about effective altruism
Show steps
This activity will help you to solidify your understanding of effective altruism by requiring you to explain the key concepts and arguments to others.
Show steps
-
Choose a topic
-
Research your topic
-
Write a draft of your blog post
-
Edit and revise your blog post
-
Publish your blog post
Volunteer with an effective altruism organization
Show steps
This activity will allow you to put your knowledge of effective altruism into practice by helping to make a difference in the world.
Show steps
-
Research effective altruism organizations
-
Find an organization that you are interested in volunteering with
-
Contact the organization and express your interest in volunteering
-
Volunteer with the organization
Start an effective altruism project
Show steps
This activity will allow you to apply your knowledge of effective altruism to a real-world problem.
Show steps
-
Identify a problem that you want to solve
-
Research the problem and identify effective solutions
-
Develop a plan for your project
-
Implement your project
-
Evaluate the results of your project
Review your knowledge of basic ethics
Show steps
This activity will help to ensure that you have the necessary background knowledge to succeed in this course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read an introductory text on ethics
- Take a practice test on basic ethics
Compile a list of resources on effective altruism
Show steps
This activity will help you to create a personalized learning resource that you can refer to in the future.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for online resources on effective altruism
- Compile a list of the most helpful resources
- Organize your list into different categories
Read Peter Singer's The Life You Can Save
Show steps
This book is a foundational text in the field of effective altruism. It will familiarize you with the key concepts and arguments of the movement, and will help you to develop your own views on effective giving.
View
Consider the Turkey
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book
- Take notes on the key ideas
- Summarize the book in your own words
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Take a practice test on effective altruism
Show steps
This activity will help you to assess your understanding of the key concepts and arguments of effective altruism.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a practice test
- Take the practice test
- Review your results
Discuss effective altruism with a friend or colleague
Show steps
This activity will help you to deepen your understanding of effective altruism by discussing the key concepts and arguments with someone else.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find someone to discuss effective altruism with
- Schedule a time to meet
- Discuss the key concepts and arguments of effective altruism
Write a blog post about effective altruism
Show steps
This activity will help you to solidify your understanding of effective altruism by requiring you to explain the key concepts and arguments to others.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic
- Research your topic
- Write a draft of your blog post
- Edit and revise your blog post
- Publish your blog post
Volunteer with an effective altruism organization
Show steps
This activity will allow you to put your knowledge of effective altruism into practice by helping to make a difference in the world.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research effective altruism organizations
- Find an organization that you are interested in volunteering with
- Contact the organization and express your interest in volunteering
- Volunteer with the organization
Start an effective altruism project
Show steps
This activity will allow you to apply your knowledge of effective altruism to a real-world problem.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a problem that you want to solve
- Research the problem and identify effective solutions
- Develop a plan for your project
- Implement your project
- Evaluate the results of your project
Career center
Learners who complete Effective Altruism will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Development Officer
Development Officer
A Development Officer typically raises funds for non-profit organizations. Some organizations raise funds for causes related to effective altruism, so this role provides a direct way to engage with the ethical questions and practical applications of effective altruism. Furthermore, this course can help a Development Officer build a strong foundation in normative ethical theories, consequentialist ethics, and effective altruism.
Social Entrepreneur
Social Entrepreneur
A Social Entrepreneur typically starts and runs businesses that seek to solve social problems. This course may be useful for a Social Entrepreneur, as it provides a solid foundation in the ethical considerations of social entrepreneurship, including the obligations of the affluent and the effectiveness of aid programs.
Venture Philanthropist
Venture Philanthropist
A Venture Philanthropist focuses on solving social problems by investing in non-profits and social enterprises. This course may be useful for a Venture Philanthropist, as it provides a solid foundation in the ethical considerations of philanthropy, including the obligations of the affluent and the effectiveness of aid programs.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultant
A Sustainability Consultant typically advises businesses and organizations on how to operate in a more sustainable and ethical way. This course may be useful for a Sustainability Consultant, as it provides a solid foundation in the ethical considerations of sustainability, including the obligations of the affluent and the effectiveness of aid programs.
Program Manager
Program Manager
A Program Manager typically plans, implements, and evaluates programs. This course may be useful for a Program Manager, as it provides a solid foundation in the ethical considerations of program management, including the obligations of the affluent and the effectiveness of aid programs.
International Development Worker
International Development Worker
An International Development Worker may focus on a variety of programs related to economic development, poverty, or the effectiveness of aid programs. This course may be useful for an International Development Worker, as it provides a solid foundation in the ethical considerations of international development, including the obligations of the affluent and the effectiveness of aid programs.
Nonprofit Director
Nonprofit Director
A Nonprofit Director typically oversees the operations of a non-profit organization. This course may be useful for a Nonprofit Director, as it provides a solid foundation in the ethical considerations of non-profit management, including the obligations of the affluent and the effectiveness of aid programs.
Impact Investor
Impact Investor
An Impact Investor typically makes investments with the primary goal of generating positive social and environmental impact, as well as financial return. This course may be useful for an Impact Investor, as it provides a solid foundation in the ethical considerations of investing, including the obligations of the affluent and the effectiveness of aid programs.
Poverty Researcher
Poverty Researcher
A Poverty Researcher typically studies the causes and effects of poverty. This course may be useful for a Poverty Researcher, as it provides a solid foundation in the ethical considerations of poverty, including the obligations of the affluent and the effectiveness of aid programs.
Economist
Economist
An Economist primarily researches economic issues. This can include studying economic development, poverty, or the effectiveness of aid programs. This course may be useful for an Economist, as it provides a solid foundation in the ethical considerations of economics, including the obligations of the affluent and the effectiveness of aid programs.
Altruism Researcher
Altruism Researcher
An Altruism Researcher is responsible for studying the most ethical ways to help others. Using data-driven approaches, you might find ways to more effectively allocate resources, promote ethical decision-making, or advance the study of altruism. This course may be useful for an Altruism Researcher, as it provides a solid foundation in normative ethical theories, consequentialist ethics, and effective altruism.
Ethics Professor
Ethics Professor
An Ethics Professor typically teaches courses on ethics and moral philosophy. While not strictly required, this course may be useful for an Ethics Professor, as it provides a solid foundation in normative ethical theories, consequentialist ethics, and effective altruism.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
A Policy Analyst typically researches and analyzes public policy. This course may be useful for a Policy Analyst, as it provides a solid foundation in the ethical considerations of public policy, including the obligations of the affluent and the effectiveness of aid programs.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst primarily collects, analyzes, and visualizes data. This may include data analysis for non-profits, public sector organizations, or other companies committed to social good. This course may be useful for a Data Analyst, as it strengthens understanding of the ethical considerations of data collection, including privacy and consent. Additionally, this course builds skills in data analysis and evaluation.
Writer
Writer
A Writer communicates information and ideas to a broad or targeted audience. This course may be useful for a Writer who wants to focus on social or ethical issues. Effective altruism is a framework for thinking about how to do the most good with your life and resources. This course can provide writers with the ethical background and philosophical foundation they need to effectively communicate about these topics.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/onve7u/effective
Reading list
We've selected 43 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Effective Altruism.
Save
Comprehensive guide to effective altruism. MacAskill covers everything from the ethical foundations of effective altruism to the practical challenges of making a difference. He also provides a valuable overview of the different ways that we can help others.
Classic work on effective altruism. Singer argues that we should use our resources to do the most good we can, and he provides a detailed framework for how to do this.
Powerful and persuasive argument for why we should all be doing more to help those in need. Singer provides a clear and concise overview of the ethical case for effective altruism, and he offers practical advice on how we can all make a difference.
Expands the concepts of effective altruism. It includes discussions on the most effective ways of giving and the causes that are most in need. It provides an overview of the most important ideas in effective altruism.
Shorter, more accessible version of "The Life You Can Save" that is aimed at a broader audience. It provides a clear and concise overview of the key arguments and concepts of effective altruism.
Philosophical examination of the ethical issues surrounding poverty and human rights. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the ethical obligations that we have to those in need.
The book provides a comprehensive overview of the ethical arguments and challenges of effective altruism (fit_score: 80, difficulty_score: 40)
Save
Critical examination of the effectiveness of foreign aid. Moyo argues that aid can often do more harm than good, and she proposes alternative ways to help developing countries.
Save
Is an analysis of the causes of poverty in the world's poorest countries. Collier argues that these countries are trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty and conflict, and he proposes a number of policies to help them escape.
Collection of essays by two of the most influential utilitarians. It provides a foundational understanding of utilitarianism and its implications for ethical decision-making.
Save
Psychological exploration of why people hold different moral beliefs. Haidt argues that our moral intuitions are shaped by our evolutionary history, and that these intuitions can lead us to make bad decisions.
Save
Nobel Prize-winning exploration of the two systems of thinking that our brains use: System 1, which is fast and intuitive, and System 2, which is slow and deliberate. Kahneman argues that System 1 is often responsible for our mistakes, and that we should learn to trust System 2 more.
Save
Comprehensive overview of the field of moral psychology. Sinnott-Armstrong covers everything from the evolution of morality to the psychology of moral judgment.
Save
While not directly focused on effective altruism, the book provides a solid foundation in the field of positive psychology, which is relevant to the course's exploration of ethical decision-making (fit_score: 70, difficulty_score: 30)
Classic work of ethics. It provides a foundational understanding of the major ethical theories, and will be helpful for those who do not have a background in philosophy. Suitable as either a stand-alone resource for understanding the basics, or as an accompaniment to the course.
Explores the complex relationship between poverty, charity, and justice. It provides a critical analysis of the different ways in which we think about and respond to poverty, and will be helpful for those who want to learn more about the ethical issues surrounding poverty.
Save
Very short introduction to deontology. Hursthouse provides a clear and concise overview of the theory, and she discusses its strengths and weaknesses.
Extends the ethical principles discussed in the course to include non-human animals, a topic that has relevance for effective altruism's consideration of the most effective ways to do good (fit_score: 60, difficulty_score: 50)
Save
Very short introduction to utilitarianism. Smart provides a clear and concise overview of the theory, and he discusses its strengths and weaknesses.
Very short introduction to ethics. Blackburn provides a clear and concise overview of the major ethical theories, and he discusses their strengths and weaknesses.
Explores the ethical dimensions of climate change and provides a framework for thinking about how to respond to this global challenge. It valuable resource for students who are interested in the ethical implications of effective altruism in the field of environmental protection.
Save
Feminist and relational approach to ethics. Noddings argues that we should focus on caring for others, rather than on following abstract rules.
Save
While not specifically focused on effective altruism, the book explores the role of science and reason in shaping our moral values, a topic that is relevant to the course's discussion of ethical decision-making (fit_score: 50, difficulty_score: 40)
Save
Provides a first-hand account of the challenges of development in Africa. It valuable resource for students who are interested in learning more about the causes of poverty and how to address them.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the causes of poverty and offers a set of policy recommendations for how to end it. It valuable resource for students who are interested in learning more about the global fight against poverty.
Save
Memoir about one woman's year-long experiment in happiness. It provides practical tips on how to increase happiness, and will be helpful for those who are interested in living a more meaningful life.
Provides a critical assessment of Western aid efforts in Africa. It valuable resource for students who are interested in learning more about the challenges of development and the role of effective altruism in addressing them.
Provides a theoretical and historical foundation for bioethics, which has implications for the course's discussion of the ethical dimensions of global health and development (fit_score: 40, difficulty_score: 60)
Provides a data-driven look at the progress that has been made in the world in recent decades. It challenges the pessimistic view of the world that is often presented in the media, and will be helpful for those who want to learn more about the positive trends in the world.
Provides a philosophical framework for thinking about development. It argues that development should be seen as a process of expanding human capabilities and freedoms.
Save
Provides evidence that greater equality leads to better social outcomes. It valuable resource for students who are interested in learning more about the relationship between inequality and poverty.
A comprehensive report from the World Health Organization on the status of primary health care, which is relevant to the course's discussion of global health and development (fit_score: 30, difficulty_score: 40)
Argues that the world is getting better, and that this is due to the power of reason and innovation. It provides a hopeful and inspiring perspective on the future, and will be helpful for those who want to learn more about the forces that are driving progress in the world.
Explores the ethical and legal dimensions of the right to food, which is relevant to the course's discussion of global poverty and hunger (fit_score: 30, difficulty_score: 40)
Examines the ethical dimensions of poverty and the challenges of providing aid, with a focus on developing countries (fit_score: 30, difficulty_score: 50)
Save
Provides a comprehensive defense of the Enlightenment values of reason, science, humanism, and progress. It argues that these values have led to enormous progress in the world, and that they are essential for the future of humanity.
Save
Explores the biological and evolutionary roots of morality, which has implications for the course's discussion of the ethical foundations of effective altruism (fit_score: 20, difficulty_score: 40)
Save
Argues that violence has declined over the long term, and that this is due to the spread of reason, empathy, and cooperation. It provides a hopeful and optimistic perspective on the future of humanity.
Save
Examines the evolutionary and psychological foundations of altruism, offering insights into why humans are capable of selfless acts (fit_score: 20, difficulty_score: 30)
Provides a sweeping overview of human history, from the Stone Age to the present day. It explores the major forces that have shaped human evolution and the future of humanity.
Save
Provides a data-driven look at the world, and challenges many of the common misconceptions that people have about the world. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the real state of the world.
Explores the different theories of justice. It provides a comprehensive overview of the major ethical debates surrounding justice, and will be helpful for those who want to learn more about this complex topic.
Save
Classic work on animal rights. It argues that animals are sentient beings who deserve to be treated with respect. It foundational text for anyone who is interested in the ethical treatment of animals.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/onve7u/effective
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Effort
10-15 hours of videos, graded quizzes, and reflective assignment
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Princeton University
Instructor
Peter Singer
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
magyar nyelv
Română
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
اُردُو,
فارسی
বাংলা
پښتو
آذربایجان دیلی
Good to know
Examines consequentialist ethics, which emphasizes the consequences of actions and may resonate with those interested in effective outcomes
Emphasizes a wide range of concepts, from meta-ethics to effective altruism, building a strong framework for those seeking to understand ethical decision-making
Taught by Peter Singer, a globally recognized ethicist, providing learners with access to an unparalleled wealth of knowledge and expertise
Explores the practical implications of ethical principles, guiding learners in applying these principles to real-world challenges
Includes conversations with individuals who have dedicated their lives to effective altruism, offering inspiring examples of ethical action
Provides opportunities for learners to engage with the material through discussions, assignments, and role-playing exercises, fostering deeper understanding
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