Effective altruism is useful at the margin
That is the theme of my latest Free Press essay, here is one excerpt: I feel I am well aware of the limitations of effective altruism, and I have outlined many others in an hour-long dialogue I had with MacAskill, arguably the father of the movement, in 2022. Nonetheless, at the margin I think more […] The post Effective altruism is useful at the margin appeared first on Marginal REVOLUTION .
In my latest Free Press essay, I explore the role of effective altruism, particularly its potential impact on the margin. I acknowledge the limitations of this movement, having discussed them in a 2022 conversation with its founder, Will MacAskill. However, I believe that embracing effective altruism can lead to positive outcomes in several areas.
Firstly, I am not concerned that human desires will be disregarded. Western and many other nations' political systems already prioritize the desires of their citizens. Even if someone proposed a bill to enhance shrimp welfare, it would likely receive no support in Congress. Despite this, we still mistreat animals in ways that could be improved (for example, by consuming less chicken and more beef, as larger cows require fewer cows to be raised).
If more people adhered to effective altruism's principles, particularly in this regard, it could lead to better treatment of animals and other issues.
The rise of artificial intelligence is also a concern, but it is crucial to avoid exaggerating its effects or overestimating the risk of a catastrophic outcome. It would be beneficial for those connected to effective altruism to pay more attention to AI issues and safety. Adopting a marginal approach rather than an extreme one is a positive step.
We are not sacrificing our resources in America to improve the lives of people worldwide, as foreign aid currently constitutes less than 1 percent of the U.S. federal budget. By supporting targeted charitable programs in Africa that save lives rather than funding institutions like Harvard, individuals can make a more effective altruistic choice.
In conclusion, effective altruism is generally beneficial, even if its recommendations should not be followed to the letter. By making marginal adjustments, individuals can contribute to positive change in various aspects of society, from animal welfare to AI safety and global aid distribution.
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