The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

How to Give More Effectively

Nov 30, 2021
Joshua Green, a Harvard psychology professor, dives deep into the art of effective altruism and moral decision-making. He reveals why our emotions often lead us astray in charitable giving, encouraging a more strategic approach. Exploring concepts like the trolley problem, he contrasts emotional versus rational philanthropy. Green also discusses common cognitive biases that hinder effective giving and shares tips on blending heart and head for maximum impact. Discover how mindful donations could enhance both societal good and personal happiness.
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ADVICE

Pragmatic Giving

  • Balance your feelings with pragmatic, impactful giving.
  • Prioritize maximizing good while honoring your emotional connections.
INSIGHT

Expanding the Moral Circle

  • Our moral circle, driven by cooperation and competition, can limit broader giving.
  • Expanding our moral circle allows us to apply cooperation beyond local groups.
INSIGHT

Scope Neglect and Emotional Response

  • Scope neglect hinders our emotional response to large-scale suffering.
  • Our feelings are not designed to process large numbers, diminishing their impact.
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