#612: Will MacAskill of Effective Altruism Fame — The Value of Longtermism, Tools for Beating Stress and Overwhelm, AI Scenarios, High-Impact Books, and How to Save the World and Be an Agent of Change

181 snips

Aug 2, 2022

Will MacAskill, an associate professor at the University of Oxford and co-founder of Effective Altruism, dives into impactful topics. He explores existential risks and the importance of human cooperation in addressing societal challenges. The conversation touches on coping strategies for stress and low moods, as well as the ethical implications of AI advancements. MacAskill discusses navigating health choices and the philosophy of longtermism, encouraging listeners to become proactive agents of change for a better future.

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ADVICE

Evening Check-Ins

Use daily check-ins with a coach for accountability and productivity.
Set input/output goals, and track other relevant metrics like caffeine intake.

ANECDOTE

Check-In Impact

William MacAskill's productivity increased by ~20% with evening check-ins.
His coach, Laura Pomerius, helped counter his self-critical tendencies and set realistic goals.

ANECDOTE

DIY Workout

William MacAskill developed his own workout routine to address back pain from prolonged sitting.
It involves squats, bicep curls, shoulder presses, deadlifts, and core work on a BOSU ball.

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The WEIRDest People in the World

Joseph Patrick Henrich

Korey Jackson

Joseph Henrich

In this book, Joseph Henrich explores how Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) populations developed their unique psychological profiles. He argues that changes in family structures, marriage, and religion, particularly influenced by the Roman Catholic Church, led to the emergence of WEIRD psychology. This psychology is characterized by individualism, self-obsession, control-orientation, nonconformity, and analytical thinking, which contrast with the more group-focused and shame-driven cultures of non-Western societies. Henrich uses research from anthropology, psychology, economics, and evolutionary biology to explain how these psychological differences contributed to the industrial revolution and the global expansion of Europe[1][4][5].

What We Owe the Future

William MacAskill

In this book, William MacAskill advocates for longtermism, the idea that positively influencing the long-term future is a key moral priority. He argues that future people count, there could be many of them, and we can make their lives better. MacAskill discusses various threats to humanity, including climate change, AI misalignment, and pandemics, and proposes strategies to ensure civilization's survival and improve its trajectory. The book explores moral and philosophical issues surrounding longtermism, including the risks of human extinction, civilizational collapse, and technological stagnation, while offering a measured optimism about the future's potential for human flourishing[1][5][4].

Practical ethics

Peter Singer

In 'Practical Ethics,' Peter Singer provides a comprehensive introduction to applied ethics. The book delves into the principles of ethics, emphasizing the role of rationality in moral decision-making. Singer discusses a range of ethical issues including race, sex, ability, species, abortion, euthanasia, infanticide, embryo experimentation, animal rights, political violence, overseas aid, and environmental concerns. He advocates for a utilitarian approach, arguing that it offers a practical framework for addressing moral conflicts by maximizing well-being and reducing suffering. The book also explores the concept of effective altruism, urging readers to consider their moral obligations to assist those in extreme poverty and to act in ways that maximize the impact of their charitable actions. The third edition includes a new chapter on climate change, one of the most pressing ethical challenges of our time[1][2][4].

Superintelligence

Paths, Dangers, Strategies

Nick Bostrom

In this book, Nick Bostrom delves into the implications of creating superintelligence, which could surpass human intelligence in all domains. He discusses the potential dangers, such as the loss of human control over such powerful entities, and presents various strategies to ensure that superintelligences align with human values. The book examines the 'AI control problem' and the need to endow future machine intelligence with positive values to prevent existential risks[3][5][4].

Crime and Punishment

Bibliophile Bibliophile Pro

Constance Black Garnett

FYODOR DOSTOEVSKY

Published in 1866, 'Crime and Punishment' is a psychological novel set in St. Petersburg, Russia. It revolves around Rodion Raskolnikov, an impoverished and intellectually gifted former student who formulates a theory that some individuals are morally justified in committing crimes for the greater good of society. Raskolnikov puts this theory to the test by murdering an old pawnbroker and her half-sister, leading to a profound exploration of his psychological and emotional struggles with guilt, paranoia, and the consequences of his actions. The novel delves into socio-economic disparities, moral dilemmas, and the psychology of criminals, making it a classic of Russian literature and existential thought[2][4][5].

The Secret of Our Success

Jonathan Yen

Joseph Henrich

In 'The Secret of Our Success', Joseph Henrich presents a provocative alternative to the standard narrative about human evolution. He argues that the key to human success is not our individual intelligence, but our ability to form collective brains that store and transmit vast amounts of cultural knowledge. Henrich draws on findings from anthropology, linguistics, behavioral economics, psychology, and evolutionary biology to demonstrate how culture and genes interact in a unique evolutionary process that drives human innovation and progress. The book challenges traditional views of evolution and highlights the importance of social and cultural factors in shaping human behavior and achievements.

The Precipice

Existential Risk and the Future of Humanity

Toby Ord

In this book, Toby Ord argues that humanity is in a uniquely dangerous period, which he terms 'the Precipice,' beginning with the first atomic bomb test in 1945. Ord examines various existential risks, including natural and anthropogenic threats, and estimates that there is a one in six chance of humanity suffering an existential catastrophe within the next 100 years. He advocates for a major reorientation in how we see the world and our role in it, emphasizing the need for collective action to minimize these risks and ensure a safe future for humanity. The book integrates insights from multiple disciplines, including physics, biology, earth science, computer science, history, anthropology, statistics, international relations, and moral philosophy[1][3][5].