Ideas worth spreading

The why and how of effective altruism

2,330,411 views |

Peter Singer |

TED2013

• March 2013

If you're lucky enough to live without want, it's a natural impulse to be altruistic to others. But, asks philosopher Peter Singer, what's the most effective way to give? He talks through some surprising thought experiments to help you balance emotion and practicality -- and make the biggest impact with whatever you can share. NOTE: Starting at 0:30, this talk contains 30 seconds of graphic footage.

If you're lucky enough to live without want, it's a natural impulse to be altruistic to others. But, asks philosopher Peter Singer, what's the most effective way to give? He talks through some surprising thought experiments to help you balance emotion and practicality -- and make the biggest impact with whatever you can share. NOTE: Starting at 0:30, this talk contains 30 seconds of graphic footage.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

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About the speaker

Peter Singer

Philosopher, ethicist

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Sometimes controversial, always practical ethicist Peter Singer stirs public debate about morality, from animal welfare to global poverty.

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This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Volunteer to donate a percentage of your income to help people living in extreme poverty.