Effective Altruism

Offered By

Effective Altruism

Princeton University

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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Flexible deadlines

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Beginner Level

Approx. 15 hours to complete

Suggested: 10-15 hours of videos and assignments...

English

Subtitles: English, Romanian, Spanish...

100% online courses

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Beginner Level

Approx. 15 hours to complete

Suggested: 10-15 hours of videos and assignments...

English

Subtitles: English, Romanian, Spanish...

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week

1 hour to complete

Introduction

...

1 video (Total 7 min), 5 readings

1 video

Welcome to Effective Altruism6m

5 readings

Course Overview10m

Overview of Videos10m

Effective Altruism Resources10m

Discussion Forum Guidelines10m

Keep in Touch10m

Week

3 hours to complete

Getting Started

In this week, 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....

12 videos (Total 153 min), 2 readings

12 videos

Reasoning in Ethics13m

Subjectivism4m

Cultural Relativism13m

Objectivism19m

Religion and Ethics9m

Introduction to Consequentialism11m

Utilitarianism13m

Objections to Utilitarianism and Possible Utilitarian Responses15m

Deontology15m

Exceptionless Moral Rules8m

Natural Law Ethics10m

Absolute Rights or Prima Facie Duties17m

2 readings

Topic Introduction: Meta-Ethics10m

Topic Introduction: Normative Ethical Theories10m

Week

2 hours to complete

Poverty and Affluence, Part 1

What obligations do the affluent have towards those who live in extreme poverty? In 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. ...

7 videos (Total 72 min), 2 readings

7 videos

Global Poverty and the Pond Story5m

The Affluent, the Poor and the Rule of Easy Rescue14m

Objections to the Pond Analogy 15m

The Effectiveness of Aid4m

What is Poverty?8m

Helping People Solve Their Own Problems10m

Evaluating Oxfam's Work12m

2 readings

Topic Introduction: The Pond Story10m

Topic Introduction: Discussion with Raymond Offenheiser10m

Week

1 hour to complete

Poverty and Affluence, Part 2

In this week 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....

5 videos (Total 66 min), 2 readings

5 videos

Thomas Pogge's Argument About Global Poverty10m

Institutional Human Rights Violations20m

Why 'Does Aid Work?' is the Wrong Question to Ask12m

What Works?15m

Heart Plus Mind6m

2 readings

Topic Introduction: Poverty as Human Rights Violations10m

Topic Introduction: Discussion with Dean Karlan10m

Instructor

Peter Singer

Ira W. Decamp Professor of Bioethics

University Center for Human Values

About Princeton University

Princeton University is a private research university located in Princeton, New Jersey, United States. It is one of the eight universities of the Ivy League, and one of the nine Colonial Colleges founded before the American Revolution....

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?

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