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Effective Altruism

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.

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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.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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

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Reviews summary

Thought-provoking introduction to effective altruism

According to learners, this course offers a highly positive and profound introduction to Effective Altruism. Many reviewers found it thought-provoking and felt it significantly shifted their perspective on how to make a difference. The course content is widely described as clear, well-structured, and engaging, particularly praising the accessible explanation of complex ethical concepts and the inclusion of insightful guest interviews. Students especially valued the sections on practical applications related to effective charitable giving and career choice for impact. While the philosophical depth is a strength, some note it can be philosophically challenging if you lack prior ethics knowledge. Additionally, some learners mentioned the absence of a certificate.

Completion does not provide a certificate

"It's a shame there isn't a certificate offered upon completion, especially for a course from Princeton."

"While the content is great, the lack of a certificate might deter some who need it for professional development."

"Note that you won't get a certificate, which is fine if you're just learning for personal growth."

Adds valuable real-world perspective

"The interviews with people applying EA principles were inspiring and added a lot of value."

"Guests like Elie Hassenfeld and others provided crucial real-world context and expertise."

"Hearing from different individuals embodying EA ideals was a highlight."

Concepts presented logically and clearly

"The lectures were clear and easy to follow, even for complex ethical arguments."

"I appreciated the logical flow of the modules, building from philosophy to practical steps."

"Instructors did a great job breaking down challenging ideas into understandable parts."

"The course structure made it easy to digest the information week by week."

Useful ideas for career and giving

"The sections on choosing a career for impact and evaluating charities were especially valuable."

"I learned practical strategies for deciding where my donations can do the most good."

"Provided concrete examples of how to apply EA principles to real-life decisions."

"The 'Giving Game' was a unique and insightful exercise."

Changes your view on how to do the most good

"This course has completely changed the way I think about how to help others and make an impact with my life."

"Found the material incredibly thought-provoking; it challenges conventional ideas about charity and personal responsibility."

"It provided a solid framework for evaluating causes and understanding the 'why' behind effective altruism."

"My perspective on donating and career choices has shifted considerably after taking this course."

Can be dense for those new to ethics

"Some of the philosophical discussions were quite deep and required some effort to fully grasp without a philosophy background."

"Found certain parts a bit theoretical; could benefit from more beginner-friendly explanations of the ethical theories."

"Might be overwhelming if you've never studied ethics or philosophy before."

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

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This activity will help to ensure that you have the necessary background knowledge to succeed in this course.

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Read an introductory text on ethics
Take a practice test on basic ethics

Compile a list of resources on effective altruism

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This activity will help you to create a personalized learning resource that you can refer to in the future.

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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

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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

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Read the book
Take notes on the key ideas
Summarize the book in your own words

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Take a practice test on effective altruism

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This activity will help you to assess your understanding of the key concepts and arguments of effective altruism.

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Find a practice test
Take the practice test
Review your results

Discuss effective altruism with a friend or colleague

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This activity will help you to deepen your understanding of effective altruism by discussing the key concepts and arguments with someone else.

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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

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This activity will help you to solidify your understanding of effective altruism by requiring you to explain the key concepts and arguments to others.

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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

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This activity will allow you to put your knowledge of effective altruism into practice by helping to make a difference in the world.

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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

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This activity will allow you to apply your knowledge of effective altruism to a real-world problem.

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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

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.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Entrepreneur

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Doing Good Better

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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.

Effective Altruism

Here's a deal for you

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Thought-provoking introduction to effective altruism

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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