University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: TBC

In this module we will explore a constellation of philosophical issues and questions surrounding the effective altruism movement. One set of questions concerns the core philosophical commitments of effective altruism, and their overall tenability. For example: is effective altruism compatible with agent-centred partiality for particular charitable causes? Should non-consequentialists understand benevolence in effective altruist terms? Another set of questions deals with issues arising more from ¿within¿ the effective altruist standpoint: What is the most important cause? Fighting extreme poverty, reducing existential risks, or what? How should we decide where to give if there is no clearly best cause? And to what extent is philosophical progress a priority, from an effective altruist perspective? Within the latter set of questions, special emphasis may be placed on different areas in different years.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: Students will attend 3 hours of class (lecture & seminar) per week. The staff member will also hold a weekly office hours for consultation for students on this module.

Scheduled learning hours: 44

Guided independent study hours: 256

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews:

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 100%

Personnel

Module teaching staff: 20SCPHIL~TGP4~~Lecturer|20SCPHIL~TPM6~~Professor