CoursesAdvanced Seminar in PPE: Altruism, Empathy, and Compassion
PPE 4900-301

Advanced Seminar in PPE: Altruism, Empathy, and Compassion

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

Instructor(s)
  • Jaron Cordero
Semester

Spring 2026

Register
R 12pm-2:59pm

This course explores altruism, empathy, and compassion through the lenses of philosophy, psychology, and economics. Students will examine connections among these by integrating insights from affective and cognitive science with formal approaches from moral philosophy, decision theory, and game theory. The course also includes instruction in contemplative practices that support critical first-person inquiry and the application of theoretical concepts to daily life and relationships. Topics include attention, emotions, cognitive biases, reciprocity, cooperation, generosity, and ethics. Coursework includes weekly writing assignments, the development of a model of altruism as a dynamic process, and a final portfolio. This course is especially suited for students seeking to integrate multiple disciplines, connect academic study with personal experience, and build a rigorous foundation for research on prosocial motivation and behavior.

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