In this discussion, William MacAskill, an Oxford philosophy professor and a key figure in the Effective Altruism movement, delves into the fallout from the FTX collapse and its ethical implications for the community. They explore the complexities of 'earning to give' and the motivations behind Sam Bankman-Fried's actions. MacAskill reflects on how this scandal impacts personal beliefs and highlights the need for resilience within the movement. The conversation also questions the balance between ambition and ethical integrity in philanthropy and corporate behavior.
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insights INSIGHT
EA's Validity
Despite the FTX collapse, Sam Harris supports Effective Altruism (EA) principles.
He acknowledges a peripheral role in the community while expressing some misgivings about it.
insights INSIGHT
SBF's Mindset
Two theories about SBF exist: a cynical fraudster or a misguided altruist with unrealistic risk tolerance.
Will MacAskill leans towards neither, suggesting hubris and irrationality as the primary drivers.
question_answer ANECDOTE
FTX's Impact and Nature
FTX's collapse caused significant financial harm, including to a Ukrainian refugee and a father of four.
However, customer funds were primarily misused and invested, not simply lost in bad trades, unlike a Ponzi scheme.
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In this book, Toby Ord argues that humanity is in a uniquely dangerous period, which he terms 'the Precipice,' beginning with the first atomic bomb test in 1945. Ord examines various existential risks, including natural and anthropogenic threats, and estimates that there is a one in six chance of humanity suffering an existential catastrophe within the next 100 years. He advocates for a major reorientation in how we see the world and our role in it, emphasizing the need for collective action to minimize these risks and ensure a safe future for humanity. The book integrates insights from multiple disciplines, including physics, biology, earth science, computer science, history, anthropology, statistics, international relations, and moral philosophy[1][3][5].
What We Owe the Future
William MacAskill
In this book, William MacAskill advocates for longtermism, the idea that positively influencing the long-term future is a key moral priority. He argues that future people count, there could be many of them, and we can make their lives better. MacAskill discusses various threats to humanity, including climate change, AI misalignment, and pandemics, and proposes strategies to ensure civilization's survival and improve its trajectory. The book explores moral and philosophical issues surrounding longtermism, including the risks of human extinction, civilizational collapse, and technological stagnation, while offering a measured optimism about the future's potential for human flourishing[1][5][4].
Doing Good Better
Will MacAskill
Why They Do It
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Eugene Soltis
Eugene Soltis's "Why They Do It" delves into the psychological motivations behind deception. The book explores the various factors that contribute to dishonest behavior, examining the cognitive processes and emotional states involved. Soltis provides insights into the decision-making processes of individuals who engage in deception, highlighting the interplay of personal gain, social pressures, and moral considerations. The book offers a comprehensive analysis of the psychology of lying, providing a deeper understanding of the complexities of human behavior. It's a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the motivations behind deception, including those in law enforcement and related fields.
Sam Harris speaks with William MacAskill about the implosion of FTX and the effect that it has had on the Effective Altruism movement. They discuss the logic of “earning to give,” the mind of SBF, his philanthropy, the character of the EA community, potential problems with focusing on long-term outcomes, AI risk, the effects of the FTX collapse on Will personally, and other topics.
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Learning how to train your mind is the single greatest investment you can make in life. That’s why Sam Harris created the Waking Up app. From rational mindfulness practice to lessons on some of life’s most important topics, join Sam as he demystifies the practice of meditation and explores the theory behind it.
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