Moral Philosopher Will MacAskill on What We Owe The Future
Aug 11, 2022
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Will MacAskill, an Associate Professor in Philosophy at Oxford and co-founder of Effective Altruism, discusses how to create a positive impact on future generations. He reveals the philosophy behind longtermism and why it's crucial to consider our moral obligations today. The conversation highlights the transformative power of effective altruism, the importance of strategic philanthropy, and the urgent existential risks we face, like climate change and nuclear threats. MacAskill also shares insights on career choices and the emotional rewards of altruistic giving.
Prioritize impactful career choices for societal well-being over personal gain.
Balancing personal financial stability with altruistic endeavors requires thoughtful financial decisions.
Aligning skills with future global challenges can lead to significant societal impact.
Prevent catastrophic events like pandemics with advanced sterilization and biosecurity measures.
Address the looming threat of global conflict by safeguarding liberal democracies and moral values.
Embrace clean energy innovation as a crucial long-term solution to combat climate change.
Deep dives
Shifting Towards a Shared Goal of Global Betterment
In a quest for a world where individuals aim to enhance the world collectively, the podcast delves into achieving a universal goal of greater good. The discussion emphasizes a vision where people prioritize reasoning and altruism over discord, focusing on doing as much good as possible. By fostering a mindset centered on shared projects for global improvement, the idea of effective giving and impactful decision-making aligns with prioritizing impactful actions over personal gain.
Making Ethical Career Choices with a Focus on Effective Altruism
The episode explores the critical aspect of choosing a career path that aligns with ethical considerations and the principles of effective altruism. It highlights the significance of selecting a profession that maximizes positive impact and emphasizes the process of dedicating time to deliberate and informed decision-making, especially regarding long-term career choices that contribute to societal well-being.
Balancing Personal Well-Being with Altruistic Goals
Amidst considerations of personal financial commitments, parenting concerns, and societal impact, the discussion navigates the complexities of balancing individual financial stability with altruistic endeavors. Encouraging a thoughtful approach to financial decisions and career trajectories, the podcast advocates for setting achievable benchmarks for giving back, allowing individuals to uphold ethical values while ensuring personal well-being and meaningful contribution to societal welfare.
Influencing Career Decisions
Individuals face career choices in areas like investment banking, hedge funds, or private equity, influenced by familial backgrounds or personal strengths. Reflection on life's course is advised, considering labor market trends and global needs, questioning conventional advice like 'follow your passion.' The emphasis shifts to assessing the world's urgent problems, matching personal skills to address crucial dilemmas more effectively.
Long-Termism and Career Impact
The discussion delves into the long-term implications of career choices, advocating for aligning skills with societal needs. It challenges individuals to consider their impact on future generations and global challenges like pandemics, AI safety, and climate change. The importance of prioritizing societal needs over personal interests is highlighted, emphasizing the immense influence individuals can have through strategic career decisions.
Mitigating Risks: Destructive Technologies and Policy Measures
Efforts to prevent catastrophic events such as engineered pandemics are discussed, along with strategies like using far ultraviolet radiation for sterilization and advanced personal protective equipment. Insights into policy interventions, including third-party liability insurance for labs and responsible scientific decision-making, aim to contain dangerous research and enhance biosecurity measures to safeguard against global risks.
Threat of Nuclear War and Extinction
The episode delves into the looming threat posed by the rise of economic and military power in certain countries, indicating a significant chance of global conflict, potentially escalating to nuclear war. The discussion explores the catastrophic impacts such events could have, with estimates suggesting billions could perish if such a scenario unfolds. The episode raises concerns about the fragility of liberal democracies and the potential shift in global moral values, emphasizing the need to address these risks for the long-term survival of humanity.
Value Lock-In and Moral Progress
Another major theme focuses on the concept of value and ideological lock-in, highlighting the historical progress made in societal moral values. The episode prompts a reflection on the contingency of moral advancements, such as the abolition of slavery, underscoring the possibility of divergent paths in human civilization. It raises questions about the future trajectory of moral values and the risks associated with ideological entrenchment, urging actions to preserve a pluralistic and morally progressive world.
Future Technology and AI Impact
The episode also touches on the implications of future technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. It discusses the potential for AI systems to surpass human intelligence, leading to profound societal changes. With considerations for AI alignment and governance, the episode underscores the importance of proactive measures to ensure beneficial AI development and prevent negative societal consequences.
Importance of Clean Energy Innovation
Decarbonization through funding innovation and clean energy is highlighted as a crucial long-term approach to combatting climate change. Clean energy innovation is described as a win-win solution with significant benefits, including reducing air pollution-related health costs, addressing energy poverty, and advancing technological progress.
Long-Term Significance of Clean Energy Tech
Clean energy technology is seen as vital for extending the lifespan and values of civilization. It is considered instrumental in preventing catastrophic regressions in technology and human civilization. The podcast emphasizes the importance of utilizing clean energy technology as a foundational measure for long-term benefits and resilience.
How can we do the most good with our careers, money and lives? And what are the things that we can do right now, to positively impact future generations to come? This is the mission of the Effective Altruism (EA) movement co-founded by Will McAskill, Associate Professor in Philosophy at the University of Oxford and co-founder of nonprofits Giving What We Can, the Centre for Effective Altruism, and Y Combinator-backed 80,000 Hour. In the conversation, me and Will talk about the fundamentals of EA, his brand new book 'What We Owe The Future', the idea of 'longtermism', the most pressing existential threats humanity is facing and what we can do about them, why giving away your income will make you happier, why your career choice is the biggest choice you’ll make in your life and much more.
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