The Influence of Human Nature on Respectful and Effective Giving

This unit allows students to explore and evaluate the impact of human nature on respectful and effective giving through learning about strategies to enhance their own and others’ health, safety, and wellbeing, as well as enhance respectful relationships.

This unit was created in collaboration with The Life You Can Save. The Life You Can Save conducts research to identify non-profits running highly impactful programs that address the multiple dimensions of poverty. They also help connect people who want to donate money and resources with these non-profits to maximise the impact of their gifts. They aim to create a world where everyone has an opportunity to build a better life and where there’s no suffering or death due to extreme poverty.

Students will be inspired and empowered to help people build better lives by exploring how to critically assess and contribute to building a culture of respectful and effective giving at various levels – from personal interactions to global engagement.

Students explore the multifaceted factors shaping individual and collective reactions to societal issues, both locally and globally, gaining insights into the complexities present in decision-making processes. They dissect factors like effectiveness, respect, and well-being in giving and receiving aid in order to gain perspective on the importance of empathy in shaping altruistic actions. 

Students will also explore the influence of respect and empathy on effective giving and explore ways of giving with dignity through collaborative activities, such as designing communication campaigns and recommending charitable practices. Students can apply their theoretical knowledge whilst also developing practical skills to contribute meaningfully to societal well-being at different levels.

Peter Singer wrote the first edition of The Life You Can Save to demonstrate why we should care about and help those living in global extreme poverty, and how easy it is to improve and even save lives by giving effectively. To delve more deeply into the themes and ideas in this unit, you can access a free copy of the eBook or listen to the free audiobook narrated by Kristen Bell, Stephen Fry, Paul Simon and more on Spotify.