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.
Effective Altruism
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7
(747 reviews)
Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
1 week at 10 hours a week
Learn at your own pace
98%
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Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Assessments
6 assignments
Taught in English
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There are 6 modules in this 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.
What's included
13 videos7 readings1 assignment
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's included
12 videos4 readings1 assignment
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.
What's included
7 videos2 readings1 assignment
This week Will MacAskill and Matt Wage discuss effective altruism and career choice.
What's included
5 videos1 reading1 assignment
In this week you will have the opportunity to play the Giving Game.
What's included
1 video1 reading
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 learnonline@princeton.edu. Thank you!
What's included
3 videos4 readings2 assignments
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.8 (179 ratings)
Offered by
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University of Pennsylvania
University of Michigan
University of Pennsylvania
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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4.7
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Showing 3 of 747
SP
5
Reviewed on Aug 3, 2022
Wonderful course. Professor is excellent in subject as well as to convey his idea. I love the mix of lectures and guests' speakers. Thank professor Singer and Coursera for offering this course.
ND
4
Reviewed on Mar 29, 2018
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.
NR
5
Reviewed on Apr 4, 2020
Very insightful course, opened my eyes to the importance of an indepth analysis when considering charitable donations. Also introduced valuable resources when considering how and what to give.
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