Making Sense with Sam Harris

#303 — The Fall of Sam Bankman-Fried

41 snips
Nov 15, 2022
Delve into the fallout from Sam Bankman-Fried’s collapse and its implications for ethical altruism. The discussion uncovers the societal backlash against his misdeeds and raises critical questions about trust and loyalty. Listeners are invited to ponder the moral dilemmas posed by financial deception and its effects on reputations and movements. This thought-provoking commentary highlights the tension between ambition and ethics in the world of cryptocurrency.
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ANECDOTE

Judging Character

  • Sam Harris admits uncertainty about judging character, even with close acquaintances.
  • He cites being surprised by harmful actions of friends with public platforms, especially during COVID.
INSIGHT

Effective Altruism's Reputation

  • Bankman-Fried's actions harmed effective altruism's reputation, causing cynicism.
  • This reaction is unwarranted, as individual fraud doesn't invalidate the entire concept.
INSIGHT

Effective Giving

  • Effective altruism emphasizes maximizing impact by choosing effective methods.
  • Some interventions are significantly more impactful than others, and some even worsen problems.
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