Back to Effective Altruism
Princeton University

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. All the features of this course are available for free. It does not offer a certificate upon completion.

Status: Social Impact
Status: Philanthropy
BeginnerCourse12 hours

Featured reviews

LV

5.0Reviewed Oct 6, 2025

I really enjoyed this course because it opened my mind to think about what my goals should include in the long run.

WC

5.0Reviewed Apr 19, 2021

Really enjoyed this course! Would recommend it to anyone looking to critically think about choices within philanthropy and beyond.

NR

5.0Reviewed 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.

LC

5.0Reviewed Apr 18, 2017

What a wonderful course. It gives each of us a way to help in the best possible manner. One would think that only serious philanthropists can help when in fact every single person can.

AL

5.0Reviewed Jul 17, 2021

​Very transforming your inner self to be more thoughful about the others and definetely opened my mind about the topic!

AH

5.0Reviewed Jul 5, 2020

Engaging, inspiring and loaded with both excellent reading materials as well as practical advice and personal stories.

AP

5.0Reviewed Dec 5, 2015

Thought provoking, were well orchestrated, I am learning, and I am moved, and I think we are all moved towards making the world a better place.

MM

5.0Reviewed Oct 9, 2021

I​ enjoyed Peter Singer's lectures and found them very helpful in understading the course subject matter. I also enjoyed his guest lecturers ... especially the Q&A after each lecture.

JT

5.0Reviewed Mar 28, 2017

Thought provoking and persuasive, this course is both an excellent introduction to the study of ethics and to the growing movement striving for a better world - effective altruism.

MD

5.0Reviewed Apr 27, 2020

Life-changing and very inspirational! Thank you, Professor Singer, for making this available for the general public.

AK

4.0Reviewed Apr 20, 2022

M​y favorite part of this course was the series of lectures about ethics. I'd never taken an ethics class before and Professor Singer is a wealth of knowledge on the topic.

SM

5.0Reviewed Dec 5, 2023

An excellent course which while giving info & instructing also helps generate deep thinking on important matters of life. This course certainly contributes to making this world a better place!

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 225

John Thomas
5.0
Reviewed Mar 29, 2017
Gustavo Castaneda
5.0
Reviewed May 20, 2019
Hyunsook Kim
1.0
Reviewed Sep 1, 2015
Taryn Rhodes
5.0
Reviewed May 13, 2020
Nathalie Francois
5.0
Reviewed Jun 5, 2020
Julio L. Banfi
5.0
Reviewed Jan 23, 2018
Natalya Ratan
5.0
Reviewed Apr 5, 2020
Luz-Elena Covarrubias
5.0
Reviewed Apr 18, 2017
David Woods
4.0
Reviewed Jun 27, 2020
MARIA JESÚS PICOT CASTRO
5.0
Reviewed Aug 23, 2015
j. scher
5.0
Reviewed Oct 17, 2019
Janka Egyed
5.0
Reviewed Sep 25, 2015
Zoë Gumm
5.0
Reviewed Jan 13, 2020
Alex Henke
5.0
Reviewed Jul 6, 2020
Mari Devadze
5.0
Reviewed Apr 28, 2020
Carlos C
5.0
Reviewed Aug 10, 2015
Christine Schiavo
4.0
Reviewed Aug 29, 2015
Jaime Lugo
3.0
Reviewed Oct 26, 2018
Esteban Rodriguez
5.0
Reviewed Jul 9, 2017
Mantas Mazeika
5.0
Reviewed May 17, 2016