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.
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.