Course Summary
This course explores the concept of altruism and its impact on society, examining its roots in biology, psychology, and philosophy.Key Learning Points
- Understand the evolutionary origins of altruism and its psychological underpinnings
- Examine the various forms of altruism and their impact on society
- Explore the ethical and philosophical implications of altruism in practice
Job Positions & Salaries of people who have taken this course might have
- USA: $47,980
- India: ₹252,577
- Spain: €17,937
- USA: $47,980
- India: ₹252,577
- Spain: €17,937
- USA: $60,926
- India: ₹1,545,000
- Spain: €31,011
- USA: $47,980
- India: ₹252,577
- Spain: €17,937
- USA: $60,926
- India: ₹1,545,000
- Spain: €31,011
- USA: $49,330
- India: ₹344,844
- Spain: €21,416
Related Topics for further study
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the biological and psychological foundations of altruism
- Evaluate the role of altruism in society
- Apply ethical and philosophical frameworks to real-world altruistic practices
Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course
- No prior knowledge or experience required
- A willingness to engage in thoughtful, reflective discussion
Course Difficulty Level
IntermediateCourse Format
- Online
- Self-paced
- Video lectures
- Quizzes and assessments
Similar Courses
- Social Psychology
- Philosophy, Science and Religion: Philosophy and Religion
Related Education Paths
Notable People in This Field
- Philosopher and Ethicist
- Primatologist and Ethologist
Related Books
Description
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.
Outline
- Getting Started with the Course
- Welcome to Effective Altruism
- Reasoning in Ethics
- Subjectivism
- Cultural Relativism
- Objectivism
- Religion and Ethics
- Introduction to Consequentialism
- Utilitarianism
- Objections to Utilitarianism and Possible Utilitarian Responses
- Deontology
- Exceptionless Moral Rules
- Natural Law Ethics
- Absolute Rights or Prima Facie Duties
- Course Overview
- Overview of Videos
- Effective Altruism Resources
- Discussion Forum Guidelines
- Keep in Touch
- Topic Introduction: Meta-Ethics
- Topic Introduction: Normative Ethical Theories
- Quiz 1
- Poverty and Affluence
- Global Poverty and the Pond Story
- The Affluent, the Poor and the Rule of Easy Rescue
- Objections to the Pond Analogy
- The Effectiveness of Aid
- What is Poverty?
- Helping People Solve Their Own Problems
- Evaluating Oxfam's Work
- Thomas Pogge's Argument About Global Poverty
- Institutional Human Rights Violations
- Why 'Does Aid Work?' is the Wrong Question to Ask
- What Works?
- Heart Plus Mind
- Topic Introduction: The Pond Story
- Topic Introduction: Discussion with Raymond Offenheiser
- Topic Introduction: Poverty as Human Rights Violations
- Topic Introduction: Discussion with Dean Karlan
- Quiz 2
- What is the Best Cause? How Much Ought We Do to Help Others?
- The Story and Work of GiveWell
- GiveWell's Recommended Charities
- On Advocacy, Different Causes and GiveWell's Impact
- Reasons for Giving
- How Much Should You Give?
- Questions and Answers, Part 1
- Questions and Answers, Part 2
- Topic Introduction: Discussion with Elie Hassenfeld, GiveWell
- Topic Introduction: Discussion with Zell Kravinsky, Julia Wise, and Alexander Berger
- Quiz 3
- Effective Altruism and Career Choice
- Will MacAskill: An Ethical Career, Part 1
- Will MacAskill: An Ethical Career, Part 2
- Matt Wage: Earning to Give in Practice
- Questions and Answers, Part 1
- Questions and Answers, Part 2
- Topic Introduction: Discussion with Will MacAskill and Matt Wage
- Quiz 4
- The Giving Game
- Giving Game: Introduction
- Topic Introduction: The Giving Game
- Why Act Ethically?
- Ethics and Rationality
- Ethics and Self-Interest
- Ethics and Moral Saints
- Topic Introduction: Ethics, Rationality and Self-Interest
- Assignment Instructions
- Guide to Writing
- A Note on Plagiarism and Citing Sources
- Reflection Assignment
- Quiz 5
Summary of User Reviews
Read reviews on the Altruism course on Coursera. Many users found the course to be informative and thought-provoking, with a strong focus on empathy and compassion. However, some users felt that the course was too theoretical and lacked practical applications.Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course
The course is thought-provoking and emphasizes empathy and compassion.Pros from User Reviews
- The course provides a comprehensive overview of the concept of altruism.
- The lectures are well-structured and easy to follow.
- The course encourages critical thinking and self-reflection.
- The course is taught by knowledgeable and engaging instructors.
Cons from User Reviews
- Some users found the course to be too theoretical and lacking practical applications.
- The course may be too general for those with a background in psychology or social sciences.
- The course requires a significant time commitment.
- Some users found the peer review process to be frustrating or unhelpful.
Peter Singer
4.8 Raiting
Effective Altruism
- 4.8
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Effective altruism is built on the simple but unsettling idea that living a fully ethical life involves doing the most good one can....
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