Effective Altruism: Morality by numbers

Dec 11, 2023

Ian Dunt and Dorian Lynskey discuss effective altruism and its connection to Sam Bankman-Fried, the failed CEO of FTX. They explore the origins of effective altruism, long-termism, and existential risks. They delve into the philosophy of Peter Singer and different types of utilitarianism. They also examine the role of expected value in effective altruism and the moral implications of long-term thinking. The FTX scandal and collapse are discussed, along with the crisis within the Effective Altruism movement. Despite acknowledging mistakes, they highlight the commitment to doing good and seeking reassurance about the efficacy of donations.

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INSIGHT

Conflicting Moral Philosophies

Utilitarianism judges morality by outcomes while deontology follows fixed moral rules.
Both can lead to counterintuitive, morally troubling conclusions when taken literally.

INSIGHT

Drowning Child Analogy

Peter Singer's drowning child analogy illustrates the moral imperative to help distant suffering.
This logic compels us to donate to effective charities rather than spend on luxuries.

INSIGHT

Data Drives Effective Donations

Effective Altruism uses data and metrics like quality-adjusted life years to maximize impact.
Donating to treatments for intestinal parasites saves more lives than more popular causes.

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