First, the figures in our post should not be taken as “estimates of the value of a vote”. Rather, we point to various ways you could make such an estimate, and show that with plausible assumptions, you get very high figures. We’re not saying these are the figures we believe.
Second, the figures were in terms of “US social value”, which can be understood as something like “the value of making a random American $1 wealthier.
You seem to be measuring the value of your time in “GiveWell dollars” i.e. the value of donations to top recommended GiveWell charities.
To convert between the two is tricky, but it’s something like:
How much better is it to make the global poor wealthier vs. Americans (suppose 30x)
How much better is SCI than cash transfers? (suppose 5x)
In total that gives you 150x difference.
So $1m of US social value ~ $6700 GiveWell dollars.
Hey Peter,
Quick comments on the value of a vote stuff.
First, the figures in our post should not be taken as “estimates of the value of a vote”. Rather, we point to various ways you could make such an estimate, and show that with plausible assumptions, you get very high figures. We’re not saying these are the figures we believe.
Second, the figures were in terms of “US social value”, which can be understood as something like “the value of making a random American $1 wealthier.
You seem to be measuring the value of your time in “GiveWell dollars” i.e. the value of donations to top recommended GiveWell charities.
To convert between the two is tricky, but it’s something like:
How much better is it to make the global poor wealthier vs. Americans (suppose 30x)
How much better is SCI than cash transfers? (suppose 5x)
In total that gives you 150x difference.
So $1m of US social value ~ $6700 GiveWell dollars.
Thanks Ben, I revised my estimate in light of your comment! Hopefully I also phrased 80K’s conclusion more correctly.