Don't Worry About the Vase Podcast Variously Effective Altruism
Nov 10, 2025
Will MacAskill, a leading philosopher in the effective altruism movement, shares insights on the challenges of maintaining donor intent and the pitfalls of a PR-focused approach. He argues for prioritizing truth and strategic focus in navigating a post-AGI world, highlighting risks in the current EA brand perception. Daniel Rothschild joins to discuss the nuances of effective conference execution, emphasizing how small details like name badges can enhance networking. Together, they explore the tensions between maximizing philanthropy and the cultural implications of perception.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Foundations Invite Value Drift
- Sending money into a foundation ecosystem often leads to capture by foundation-style people and value drift.
- Letting heirs manage funds without clear control risks divergence from donor intent.
Deliberation Can Be Socially Costly
- Maximizing impact deliberately is perceived as less moral and reduces social desirability.
- Creating a community that values deliberation can normalize effective giving and counter that stigma.
Tuition-Free Claim Depends On Future Gifts
- UATX announced eliminating tuition after a $100M gift from Jeff Yass, but future donations from grateful students are expected to fund it.
- Zvi notes this may not actually cover long-term costs and could be rescinded like past promises.
