Yes, you’re right that altruists have a more encompassing utility function, since they focus on social instead of individual welfare. But even if altruists will invest more in elections than self-interested individuals, it doesn’t follow that it’s a good investment overall.
Sorry for being harsh, but my honest first impression was “this makes EAs look bad to outsiders”.
it doesn’t follow that it’s a good investment overall
Yes, it doesn’t by itself—my point was only meant as a counterargument to your claim that the efficient market hypothesis precluded the possibility of political donations being a good investment.
Yes, you’re right that altruists have a more encompassing utility function, since they focus on social instead of individual welfare. But even if altruists will invest more in elections than self-interested individuals, it doesn’t follow that it’s a good investment overall.
Sorry for being harsh, but my honest first impression was “this makes EAs look bad to outsiders”.
Yes, it doesn’t by itself—my point was only meant as a counterargument to your claim that the efficient market hypothesis precluded the possibility of political donations being a good investment.