Longtermism SPECIAL: The next stage of effective altruism
Feb 28, 2025
auto_awesome
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.
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.
The Complex Nature of Stress
Contrary to popular belief, not all stress is detrimental; some levels of stress can enhance job satisfaction and motivation when work demands match personal skills. A job that provides challenging tasks can lead to a fulfilling experience, fostering personal growth and productivity. Conversely, completely avoiding stress may result in boredom and lack of motivation in one’s career. Understanding this complexity can guide individuals to seek roles that offer the right balance of stress and engagement.
The Shift from Effective Altruism to Long-Termism
The evolution from effective altruism to long-termism has brought about a focus on shaping a better future at potentially great costs in the present. While effective altruism promoted immediate aid for global poverty and health issues, long-termism emphasizes the moral obligation towards future generations, possibly leading to neglect of pressing contemporary challenges. Proponents like William McCaskill advocate for prioritizing actions that could positively influence a vast number of future lives, which can dilute attention from current humanitarian crises. This shift raises concerns about the practical implications and the risk of ignoring urgent issues that demand immediate ethical consideration.
Critiques of Long-Termism
Long-termism faces significant criticism for its grand ambitions overshadowed by uncertainty regarding future scenarios. Many argue that attempting to prepare for challenges thousands of years in the future can lead to a loss of focus on actionable issues affecting people today. Ethical frameworks aimed at future generations may overlook the suffering and needs of those currently in distress, and the philosophy often lacks concrete guidance for addressing today’s emergencies. Critics suggest that progress should be grounded in solving the present’s problems incrementally rather than speculative ideals of an uncertain future.
Should we sacrifice the present for a better future?
Join the team at the IAI for three articles about effective altruism, longtermism, and the complex evolution of moral thought. Written by William MacAskill, James W. Lenman, and Ben Chugg, these three articles pick apart the ethical movement started by Peter Singer, analysing its strengths and weaknesses for both individuals and societies.
William MacAskill is a Scottish philosopher and author, best known for writing 2022's "What We Owe the Future." James W. Lenman is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Sheffield, as well as the former president of the British Society for Ethical Theory. Ben Chugg is a BPhD student in the machine learning department at Carnegie Mellon University. He also co-hosts the Increments podcast.