Novara Media Downstream: Democracy Is Under Massive Threat From AI w/ William MacAskill
7 snips
Oct 13, 2025 
William MacAskill, a prominent philosopher in the Effective Altruism movement, dives deep into the ethical landscape shaped by AI. He discusses the potential of AI to radically transform society by 2050, including energy capture and economic expansion. MacAskill warns about the risks of AI concentrating power and how it may challenge democratic systems. He emphasizes the importance of longtermism, arguing future generations deserve moral consideration. Finally, he offers practical advice for young people navigating an uncertain future.
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Purposeful Impact Through Prioritisation
- Effective Altruism focuses on using time and money to do as much good as possible across competing global problems.
- William MacAskill prioritizes career switches and major donations to maximize impact.
Donate Strategically, Not Comfortably
- Give a meaningful fraction of income to highly effective charities rather than spending on extra luxury consumption.
- Target donations where dollars save or dramatically improve lives in low-income countries.
Books Directly Fund Charity
- MacAskill channels book proceeds straight to charity and often donates the majority of his income.
- He says his broader impact mainly comes from his work, not only his donations.
