CoursesAdvanced Seminar in PPE: Cooperative Altruism
PPE 4900-301

Advanced Seminar in PPE: Cooperative Altruism

Cooperative altruism is the intention to benefit sentient beings and work together to accomplish this. Students in this interdisciplinary course will collectively explore cooperative altruism, both in theory and in practice. By engaging with a variety of approaches and perspectives — from microeconomics and experimental psychology to contemplative sciences and North American indigenous philosophy — each student will develop a robust vocabulary to support their capacity to learn about and practice cooperative altruism in dialogue.

Instructor(s)
  • Jaron Cordero
Semester

Fall 2026

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The specific content and course of study will be partially determined by the themes that emerge in class discussions and assignments. However, students can expect to engage with questions such as: What is the relationship between self and other? What does it mean to benefit someone’s well-being? Can altruism be developed within individuals, and if so, how? How can moments of individual altruism become sustained altruism in community? Some of the topics that students will learn about and reflect on as part of the course include love and compassion, risk and relationships, and service and social responsibility. This course is offered as part of the SNF Paideia Program.

An advanced seminar in PPE offered by Paideia-affiliated faculty. As an advanced interdisciplinary seminar, this course is open to juniors and seniors with a declared PPE major (open to others by departmental permission). For a detailed course description visit: https://ppe.sas.upenn.edu/study/curriculum/advanced-interdisciplinary-courses

T 10:15am-1:14pm

Instructor: Jaron Cordero

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