EA Forum Podcast (Curated & popular) “The Soul of EA is in Trouble” by Mjreard
May 9, 2025
The discussion dives into the shifting landscape of Effective Altruism, focusing on the overwhelming shift towards AI safety. Concerns are raised about the loss of broader ethical considerations in the pursuit of effective outcomes. The implications of prioritizing AGI above all else suggest a potential departure from the original altruistic principles. There's a plea to maintain a balance between ambitious goals and the core values that founded the movement, highlighting the risk of abandoning a nuanced moral framework.
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Shift from EA to AI Safety
- Many formerly Effective Altruists now identify solely as AI safety workers.
- This shift suggests Effective Altruism ideas are seen as having exhausted their usefulness in this space.
Retreat Reflects Lost EA Roots
- At a recent retreat, only 3 to 4 of 25 attendees were vegan or vegetarian, a big departure from earlier norms.
- Discussions barely engaged with core EA ideas like cause prioritization or personal donations, signaling a shift.
Cause Prioritization Seen as Done
- 80,000 Hours shifted focus entirely to AI, signaling a belief that cause prioritization is complete.
- This marks a strategic turn prioritizing AI for doing the most good above all else.