Exploring Effective Altruism and Its Philosophical Roots

This chapter investigates the effective altruism movement, tracing its philosophical beginnings to utilitarianism and influential thinkers like Peter Singer and Derek Parfit. It discusses the complexities of risk assessment and the evolution of philosophical discourse surrounding rationalism, highlighting the interplay between traditional academic frameworks and emerging online intellectual communities. The conversation also critiques the current state of interdisciplinary studies and the impact of funding on academic progress, calling for a thoughtful approach to integrating empirical and theoretical disciplines.