Preference Utilitarianism and Effective Altruism: Ethical Reflections on Climate Change

Abstract

The proposal of effective altruism can represent a response to climate change. The contribution, after an examination of the paradigmatic aspects of altruism and individualism, analyses Peter Singer’s thought with reference to his reflections on hedonistic utilitarianism and preference utilitarianism. Finally, the salient elements of effective altruism and the incorporation of individualistic and altruistic tools in environmental policies are outlined in the perspective of raising awareness in the political-cultural sphere capable of involving, also from an ethical perspective, a large portion of civil society.