Conversations with Tyler

William MacAskill on Effective Altruism, Moral Progress, and Cultural Innovation

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Aug 10, 2022
William MacAskill, a key advocate for effective altruism and philosopher, shares compelling insights into the movement's rise among younger generations. He challenges conventional charity approaches, revealing his favorite inefficient charity. The discussion dives into moral dilemmas, such as utilitarianism's implications for animal care and the ethics of procreation. MacAskill also reflects on societal progress and explores ideas for cultural innovation, including the possibility of starting a new university. His thoughts provoke deep questions about altruism, existence, and our responsibility to future generations.
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ADVICE

EA and Abortion

  • The EA movement shouldn’t be anti-abortion, according to MacAskill.
  • Focus should be on future population sizes, and restricting rights may not be effective.
ADVICE

Pro Bono EA Work for Lawyers

  • Skilled lawyers wanting to contribute to EA should target biotechnology research or patent trolls.
  • Working on a future world government's constitution is another long-term option.
ADVICE

Donating to Universities

  • Donating to large universities with massive endowments is less effective than targeted research.
  • Universities may not prioritize research as effectively as independent organizations.
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