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Philosophy For Our Times

Longtermism SPECIAL: The next stage of effective altruism

Feb 28, 2025
William MacAskill, a Scottish philosopher and author of "What We Owe the Future," joins James W. Lenman, a Professor of Philosophy and ethical theory critic, to delves deep into effective altruism and longtermism. They discuss whether we should sacrifice present well-being for a better future and examine the ethical implications of prioritizing future generations over current crises. The conversation challenges traditional views on job satisfaction, emphasizing social impact and the complexities of moral responsibility towards both people and nature.
33:04

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The shift from effective altruism to long-termism emphasizes prioritizing future generations but risks neglecting urgent issues faced today.
  • Finding a balance between stress and engagement in work is essential for career satisfaction, highlighting the importance of meaningful contributions.

Deep dives

Choosing a Career with Impact

When selecting a career, focusing on impact rather than passion can lead to greater fulfillment and happiness. Many people believe high income and low stress will increase their job satisfaction, but these factors do not significantly contribute to overall happiness. Research highlights that essential features of work, like independence, a sense of completion, and contribution to society, are far better predictors of job satisfaction. Therefore, individuals should prioritize finding a personal fit that aligns with these factors, as passion often follows once they engage in meaningful work.

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