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: Program Evaluation
BeginnerCourse12 hours

Featured reviews

NR

5.0Reviewed Apr 5, 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.

MB

4.0Reviewed May 21, 2024

Wonderful journey in ethics and altruism behavior. Thank you for sharing motivational management and vocational involvement.

ND

4.0Reviewed Mar 30, 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.

LV

5.0Reviewed Oct 7, 2025

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

LC

5.0Reviewed Apr 19, 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.

HD

4.0Reviewed Jun 7, 2016

Audited the course. Found the information quite useful. In the quest to live an evermore ethical life, Peter Singer helps to bring light to the issues at hand in an accessible way.

MM

5.0Reviewed Oct 10, 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.

A

5.0Reviewed Apr 21, 2024

Excellent course. Many thanks to Prof. Peter Singer. Wishing you continued successes. Best of luck! Kind regards, Anuradha

SP

5.0Reviewed Aug 4, 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.

JT

5.0Reviewed Mar 29, 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.

KP

5.0Reviewed Jan 12, 2019

This course is excellent, especially for those wanting to understand the basics to ethics and Peter Singer’s (and others) thinking. Good amount of detail and well-structured.

AK

4.0Reviewed Apr 21, 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.

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 223

John Thomas
5.0
Reviewed Mar 30, 2017
Gustavo Castaneda
5.0
Reviewed May 21, 2019
Hyunsook Kim
1.0
Reviewed Sep 2, 2015
Taryn Rhodes
5.0
Reviewed May 14, 2020
Nathalie Francois
5.0
Reviewed Jun 6, 2020
Julio L. Banfi
5.0
Reviewed Jan 24, 2018
Natalya Ratan
5.0
Reviewed Apr 6, 2020
Luz-Elena Covarrubias
5.0
Reviewed Apr 19, 2017
David Woods
4.0
Reviewed Jun 28, 2020
MARIA JESÚS PICOT CASTRO
5.0
Reviewed Aug 24, 2015
j. scher
5.0
Reviewed Oct 17, 2019
Janka Egyed
5.0
Reviewed Sep 26, 2015
Zoë Gumm
5.0
Reviewed Jan 14, 2020
Alex Henke
5.0
Reviewed Jul 7, 2020
Mari Devadze
5.0
Reviewed Apr 28, 2020
Carlos C
5.0
Reviewed Aug 11, 2015
Christine Schiavo
4.0
Reviewed Aug 30, 2015
Jaime Lugo
3.0
Reviewed Oct 27, 2018
Esteban Rodriguez
5.0
Reviewed Jul 10, 2017
Mantas Mazeika
5.0
Reviewed May 18, 2016