Is it possible to do the most good while retaining current systems (especially economic)? What in these systems needs to be transformed?
This question is already pretty heavily researched by economists. There are some known answers (immigration liberalization would be very good) and some unknowns (how much is the right amount of fiscal stimulus in recessions?). For the most part, I don’t think there’s much low-hanging fruit in terms of questions that matter a lot but haven’t been addressed yet. Global Priorities Institute does some economics research, IMO that’s the best source of EA-relevant and neglected questions of this type.
Thanks, Michael. Regarding the economists—yes, I think that is true.
I do, however, believe that we have other angles/perspectives/specializations that are less considered but might be valuable to consult. Essentially—subject matter experts are, understandably, highly influential in shaping these conversations, but their voices may be disproportionately valued. My next note asks questions in this vein.
I am most interested in exploring Buddhism and/or general mindfulness and EA
Do you mean Buddhism as a religious practice, or more of a secular buddhism? I see a lot of overlaps between secular Buddhism and stoicism (stoicism as described by Massimo Pigliucci, not stoicism in the sense of feels no emotions).
I’d be happy to bounce ideas around with you about Buddhism and EA.
Some questions I believe need more attention/exploration/investment and would like to work with others on:
Is it possible to do the most good while retaining current systems (especially economic)? What in these systems needs to be transformed?
Intersections of religion and EA. Personally, I am most interested in exploring Buddhism and/or general mindfulness and EA.
Understanding how power moves into, within, and from the EA space.
What knowledge do we value? What types of knowledge and information are we missing? Whose voices are being ignored?
This question is already pretty heavily researched by economists. There are some known answers (immigration liberalization would be very good) and some unknowns (how much is the right amount of fiscal stimulus in recessions?). For the most part, I don’t think there’s much low-hanging fruit in terms of questions that matter a lot but haven’t been addressed yet. Global Priorities Institute does some economics research, IMO that’s the best source of EA-relevant and neglected questions of this type.
Thanks, Michael. Regarding the economists—yes, I think that is true.
I do, however, believe that we have other angles/perspectives/specializations that are less considered but might be valuable to consult. Essentially—subject matter experts are, understandably, highly influential in shaping these conversations, but their voices may be disproportionately valued. My next note asks questions in this vein.
Do you mean Buddhism as a religious practice, or more of a secular buddhism? I see a lot of overlaps between secular Buddhism and stoicism (stoicism as described by Massimo Pigliucci, not stoicism in the sense of feels no emotions).
I’d be happy to bounce ideas around with you about Buddhism and EA.
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More thoughts and questions that I am interested in exploring further (if you are too, please reach out):
How democratized is EA philanthropy? Should it be more or less so? How do we democratize it, if that is best?
How strong or weak are the feedback mechanisms in producing positive change in decisions (especially regarding how money is spent)?