Effective altruism: Introduction

Abstract

Effective altruism, a novel philosophical approach aimed at maximizing the well-being of all impartially, has recently garnered considerable attention. This article, the first academic volume entirely devoted to this idea, introduces and explores the concept, discussing the underpinning principles, the growing community, the positive impact it has already had, and its potential for addressing pressing global issues. The diverse essays cover various aspects, including the intersection of effective altruism and Christianity, the application of effective altruism to animal advocacy, the implications of effective altruism for population ethics, and the compatibility of effective altruism with anti-capitalism. Highlighting the importance of philosophical considerations and the range of relevant topics, this article provides a comprehensive overview of effective altruism and its significance. – AI-generated abstract.