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William MacAskill

Philosopher, co-founder of the effective altruism movement and author of What We Owe the Future, advocating long-termist perspectives on AI and preparing institutions for transformative risks.

Top 10 podcasts with William MacAskill

Ranked by the Snipd community
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246 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 55min

EP 7: The Scouts

In this insightful discussion, Liv Boeree, a game theorist and former poker champion, and William MacAskill, a prominent philosopher and effective altruism co-founder, explore the balancing act of AI development. They highlight the dangers of an AI arms race and the risks of catastrophic outcomes. Boeree emphasizes the 'narrow path' for harnessing AI's potential while avoiding societal collapse. MacAskill discusses the urgent need for long-term strategies to prioritize future generations amidst the geopolitical tensions shaping AI's future.
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199 snips
Aug 2, 2022 • 1h 45min

#612: Will MacAskill of Effective Altruism Fame — The Value of Longtermism, Tools for Beating Stress and Overwhelm, AI Scenarios, High-Impact Books, and How to Save the World and Be an Agent of Change

Will MacAskill, an associate professor at the University of Oxford and co-founder of Effective Altruism, dives into impactful topics. He explores existential risks and the importance of human cooperation in addressing societal challenges. The conversation touches on coping strategies for stress and low moods, as well as the ethical implications of AI advancements. MacAskill discusses navigating health choices and the philosophy of longtermism, encouraging listeners to become proactive agents of change for a better future.
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159 snips
Aug 11, 2022 • 2h 53min

Moral Philosopher Will MacAskill on What We Owe The Future

Will MacAskill, an Associate Professor in Philosophy at Oxford and co-founder of Effective Altruism, discusses how to create a positive impact on future generations. He reveals the philosophy behind longtermism and why it's crucial to consider our moral obligations today. The conversation highlights the transformative power of effective altruism, the importance of strategic philanthropy, and the urgent existential risks we face, like climate change and nuclear threats. MacAskill also shares insights on career choices and the emotional rewards of altruistic giving.
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111 snips
Aug 14, 2022 • 2h

#292 — How Much Does the Future Matter?

William MacAskill, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Oxford and co-founder of the Center for Effective Altruism, dives deep into the philosophy of effective altruism and longtermism. He discusses our ethical responsibilities to future generations and the existential risks we face. The conversation tackles the challenges of short-termism in politics, the complex relationship between doing good and feeling good, and the potential dangers of unaligned AI. MacAskill emphasizes the importance of thoughtful decision-making to safeguard the future of humanity.
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110 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 2h 3min

We're Not Ready for AGI (with Will MacAskill)

Will MacAskill, a senior research fellow at Forethought and author known for his work on longtermist ethics, dives into the complexities of AI governance. He discusses moral error risks and the challenges of ensuring that AI systems reflect ethical reasoning. The conversation touches on the urgent need for space governance and how AI can reinforce biases through sycophantic behavior. MacAskill also presents the concept of 'viatopia' to emphasize flexibility in future moral choices, highlighting the importance of designing AIs for better moral reflection.
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73 snips
Apr 1, 2024 • 1h 25min

#361 — Sam Bankman-Fried & Effective Altruism

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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66 snips
Apr 15, 2024 • 2h 2min

What should the Effective Altruism movement learn from the SBF / FTX scandal? (with Will MacAskill)

Will MacAskill is an associate professor in philosophy at Oxford and a co-founder of several effective altruism nonprofits. He delves into the FTX scandal, dissecting its implications for the effective altruism movement. Topics include the psychological traits of Sam Bankman-Fried, the dangers of naive utilitarianism, and the need for improved governance in philanthropy. MacAskill also reflects on trust issues within the movement and the complexities of moral decision-making, advocating for a shift towards decentralization and ethical oversight, especially in light of rapid AI advancements.
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42 snips
Aug 17, 2022 • 1h 11min

Will MacAskill on Creating Lasting Change

Will MacAskill, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Oxford and a leader in effective altruism, dives into creating impactful change. He discusses his upcoming book, focusing on how to extend compassion globally and confront apathy. The conversation challenges the quest for posthumous fame, urging listeners to prioritize legacy through moral progress. MacAskill emphasizes the balance between altruism and career choices, the importance of fighting climate change, and our stewardship responsibilities for future generations.
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22 snips
Aug 20, 2022 • 53min

86. A Million-Year View on Morality

Join Will MacAskill, an Oxford philosopher and effective altruism pioneer, as he unpacks how our choices today impact future generations. He navigates the challenges of moral decision-making in a long-term context and explores the ethical dilemmas of wealth disparity and charitable giving. MacAskill also highlights the importance of personal sacrifice for the greater good and the existential threats we face. Through thought-provoking insights, he champions a philosophy that aims for maximizing global well-being across time.
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20 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 33min

Longtermism SPECIAL: The next stage of effective altruism

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.

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