This chapter examines a thought experiment inspired by Peter Singer that challenges our moral obligations towards altruism. It discusses the implications of individual choices in prioritizing personal luxury over charitable donations, urging a reevaluation of how we support those in need. The chapter also highlights the potential impact of giving a portion of one’s income to charity, calling for immediate action to address pressing global issues and to consider the well-being of future generations.
Effective altruism — the brand of philanthropy where you try to do the most good for the greatest number of people with the resources you have — has gotten a bad rap lately due to its association with Sam Bankman-Fried, the disgraced crypto wunderkind who was once hailed as the movement's poster child. But is the bad press fair? Today, we explore that question by revisiting our conversation with Will MacAskill, Oxford professor of philosophy, leading figure in the movement, and author of "What We Owe the Future."
(This episode first aired in October 2022.)
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