Effective Altruism

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/altruism

Introduction

### Course Review: Effective Altruism on Coursera **Course Overview** In a world often plagued by moral dilemmas, the concept of effective altruism stands out as a beacon of hope and action, urging individuals to not only consider the ethical implications of their choices but to also maximize the good they can do in their lifetimes. The Coursera course "Effective Altruism" delves deep into this philosophy, inviting learners to engage with its philosophical foundations, meet inspiring figures who have embraced this worldview, and explore practical applications in everyday life. **Course Structure** The course is well-structured, comprising five weeks of insightful content that progressively guides students through complex topics in ethics, charity, and personal choices. 1. **Getting Started with the Course**: This introductory week sets the stage by revisiting meta-ethics and normative ethical theories. It's ideal for those who may feel daunted by philosophical content, as it effectively breaks down complex ideas into digestible pieces. 2. **Poverty and Affluence**: This week tackles pressing questions regarding the affluent's responsibilities towards impoverished communities. By examining consequentialist ethics and evaluating charity effectiveness, this segment is both enlightening and sobering. Conversations with key figures like Raymond Offenheiser and Dean Karlan add valuable real-world insights. 3. **What is the Best Cause?**: Learners grapple with how to prioritize charitable efforts and the nuances of comparing charities. The inclusion of guest Elie Hassenfeld from GiveWell introduces practical methodologies for evaluating charitable impact. Personal narratives from advocates like Zell Kravinsky, Julia Wise, and Alexander Berger vividly illustrate effective altruism's life-changing potential. 4. **Effective Altruism and Career Choice**: Will MacAskill and Matt Wage lead a compelling discussion on aligning career choices with altruistic values. This week is particularly beneficial for students contemplating their future paths and how they can integrate effective altruism into their professional lives. 5. **The Giving Game**: An interactive element to the course, the Giving Game allows participants to engage in charitable giving scenarios, fostering a hands-on understanding of the decisions involved in effective altruism. 6. **Why Act Ethically?**: The course culminates in this reflective week, which prompts students to confront foundational ethical questions. With an emphasis on the relationship between self-interest, rationality, and morality, it challenges learners to consider their ethical obligations. **Free Access and No Certification** One of the most commendable aspects of this course is its free access. While the absence of a completion certificate may deter some, the focus remains resolutely on knowledge acquisition and personal enrichment rather than proficiency validation. This makes it especially accessible to those who may be hesitant to invest time or money into philosophy or ethics. **Final Thoughts and Recommendation** The "Effective Altruism" course on Coursera is not only an intellectual pursuit but is also a transformative experience. Its blend of philosophical inquiry, personal narrative, and practical engagement makes it a well-rounded and thought-provoking journey for anyone interested in making a meaningful impact in the world. Whether you're a student, a working professional, or simply someone curious about ethical living, I wholeheartedly recommend this course. It provides invaluable insights that can profoundly shape how you think about your responsibilities towards others and inspire you to take meaningful action. If you’re eager to explore the complexities of morality and how you can implement effective altruism in your life, look no further than this engaging and free online course. Sign up today and embark on a journey towards a more ethical and impactful life!

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.

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.

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.

This week Will MacAskill and Matt Wage discuss effective altruism and career choice.

In this week you will have the opportunity to play the Giving Game.

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!