What is effective altruism?
A philosophy
Using reason and evidence to find the most effective ways to help others. Read essay.
A movement
A global network of people and organizations putting the ideas into practice.
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Is effective altruism a charity?
No, effective altruism is not a charity. It is a philosophy and movement focused on using evidence and reason to do the most good. However, there are many charities and organizations inspired by effective altruism principles. Learn more by reading the introduction to effective altruism.
What are examples of the impact of effective altruism?
People inspired by effective altruism have launched high-impact charities, guided major donations, and shaped research on global challenges. View examples here.
How do I get involved?
- Learn more by reading the introduction to effective altruism
- View recommended videos, books, podcasts, and articles
- Get career guidance, donation recommendations, and connect with others on the take action page
Effective altruism in action
From global health to existential risk: See how people apply effective altruism across diverse fields
Alene founded Legal Impact for Chickens
To advance legal protections for farm animals through litigation
What the community has achieved
Browse projects from the effective altruism community
Global health and economic development
Animal welfare
Existential risk and the long-term future
Research and charity evaluation
Grantmaking, fundraising, and donor advising
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Four ideas you probably already agree with
That could mean you're already on board with effective altruism
1. It’s important to help others
When people are in need and we can help them, we think that we should. Most people think millionaires should give back, but few realize that even those earning the median wage in a rich country typically rank among the global top 5% of the world’s wealthy. See where you fall on the global income scale.
2. Everyone deserves equal consideration
Everyone has an equal claim to being happy, healthy, fulfilled and free, whatever their circumstances. Everyone matters, wherever they live, however rich they are, and whatever their ethnicity, age, gender, ability, or religious views.
3. Helping more is better than helping less
All else being equal, we should save more lives, help people live longer, and make more people happier. If the same resources will improve 20 lives instead of one, it’s better to improve 20.
4. Our resources are limited
We have a finite amount of money to spend. This is also true of our time. Choosing to spend money or time on one option is an implicit choice not to spend it on other options.
- It’s important to help others
- People are equal
- Helping more is better than helping less
- Our resources are limited
Research and ideas
Insights and research that have shaped the movement
“Many of the concepts in effective altruism will be familiar to economists. What is unusual is to see these tools used to develop a practical guide on how to live an ethical life. It doesn’t tell you what choices to make; instead it sets out a simple framework for how to think through decisions.”
Dr. Rachel Glennerster, Associate Professor at the University of Chicago
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Find ways to help
There are many ways to take action—through donations, career choices, volunteering, and much more
