Big Think What is effective altruism? Philosopher Peter Singer explains.
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Aug 25, 2025 
In this enlightening discussion, Peter Singer, a renowned philosopher and bioethics professor at Princeton, delves into effective altruism, emphasizing that everyone, not just the affluent, can contribute to making the world better. He shares inspiring stories, including that of Zell Kravinsky, who donated his wealth and even a kidney to a stranger. Singer passionately advocates for researching charities to maximize impact, illustrating how moral responsibility can lead to personal fulfillment through proactive generosity.
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Philosophy Sparked A Global Movement
- Effective altruism grew from philosophical arguments into a global movement led by students like Toby Ord and Will MacAskill.
- The movement channels billions toward more effective causes by asking how to do the most good.
Research Before You Donate
- If you choose to be altruistic, research where your resources will do the most good before giving.
- Prioritize effectiveness so donations, time, or even health risks aren't wasted on lower-impact options.
Zell Kravinsky's Radical Giving
- Zell Kravinsky gave away most of his wealth and donated a kidney to a compatible stranger.
- He estimated only a 1-in-4,000 chance his donation would cause premature death and felt he would otherwise overvalue his life relative to a stranger.