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80,000 Hours Podcast

#163 – Toby Ord on the perils of maximising the good that you do

Sep 8, 2023
Toby Ord, a moral philosopher from the University of Oxford and a pioneer of effective altruism, discusses the complexities of maximizing good in altruistic efforts. He warns against the dangers of an all-or-nothing approach, using the FTX fallout as a cautionary tale. Toby emphasizes the importance of integrity and humility in leadership and argues for a more balanced goal: 'doing most of the good you can.' He also explores the intricate relationship between utilitarian ethics and individual character, highlighting the nuanced nature of moral decision-making.
03:07:08

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Maximizing the good we do can sometimes lead to harmful actions.
  • Effective altruism combines the beneficial aspects of utilitarianism with caution.

Deep dives

The Importance of Doing Good and Saving Lives

The moral theory of effective altruism emphasizes the significance of helping others and saving lives. It recognizes that making a positive impact on the world is a key aspect of living a moral life. This principle is supported by the idea that saving multiple lives is proportionally more valuable than saving just one life. Effective altruism encourages individuals to consider the scale of their impact and prioritize actions that can create the greatest amount of good.

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