A Rival View: Utilitarianism (Pt. 2, Effective Altruism)
Wed, Feb 11
Today we'll reconsider utilitarianism in one of its contemporary guises, the movement popularly known as "Effective Altruism."
Goals - by the end of today's class, you will:
- Understand Peter Singer’s basic view about generosity, and what obligations we have with respect to the money we earn; and
- Know how this framework deals with more general ethical issues like donation, having children, acquiring and consuming goods (and luxury goods, etc.)
Read This:
(Access readings through Perusall)
Primary reading: Singer, "The Most Good You Can Do" Excerpts from Chapter 1
Secondary reading: Matthews, "Join Wallstreet. Save the World."
Do This:
After completing the readings for today, consider the following questions (which we will talk about in class):
- Do the lives of those offered as examples in today's readings (Matt Wage, Jason Trigg) morally exemplary? Can you see yourself finding fulfillment, meaning, and purpose your work in the context of such a life?
- On whichever of the views we've considered in this class strikes you as most plausible: How should we define generosity and charity, and its role in determining what kind of work we should seek?