The purpose of this course is to inform students how they can “do good” in as effective a way
as possible with their careers, especially within economics and related fields (including, but not
limited to CS, applied math, epidemiology, political science, and neuroscience).

The course combines practical lessons from economics with theoretical concepts from the philosophy of
ethics to equip students with introductory skills that can help them identify and work toward
solving some of the world’s most pressing problems. To help students identify the “roots” of
these problems, global issues are framed not only as market failures but as moral blind spots
such as exhibited in the efficiency-equity tradeoff and McNamara Fallacy (Spotlight Effect).

“Effective altruism” is a growing, interdisciplinary movement centered around the question of
how we can help others as much as possible given the resources available. Applying the
economic concepts of efficiency to the domain of morality, effective altruists aim not just to
make the world better, but to make it as good as possible.

What that means in practice is usually a very difficult question to answer.

Classes will be held Wednesdays, 4-5pm, location TBD. Interested students should attend class and enroll!

Grading: Pass/No Pass
Weekly Assignments (34% grade): Weekly reading and bCourses "quizzes"
Final: (33% grade) Group presentation on EA topic of choosing OR EA Club project throughout semester - details TBA
Attendance (33% grade): Mandatory* - there will be 2 excused absences allowed, but must contact course facilitators before the class

Prerequisites: A desire to make the world a better place! Applications will be approved on a first come, first serve basis.