The problem with all wefare estimates is their inherent imprecision, as well as the oversight that in any altruistic project—such as that of the EA community—the key factor is the motivation of the altruistic agents. Calculating any objectively altruistic action means ignoring the subjective element of the altruistic act.
The only effective calculation is one that prioritizes the motivation of the altruistic agents. Appealing to mere altruistic principles based on a cognitive understanding is insufficient. Hence the twenty-year failure of the EA community in its unsuccessful attempt to rationalize altruism. Altruism cannot be rationalized outside of a cultural conception of the altruistic agent’s motivation.
One contribution in this regard is that altruism can be cultivated as a necessary element within the development of a culture of benevolence, which might be sufficiently motivating to generate altruistic acts consistent with conventional welfare estimates.
But this is just one contribution among many others that could be made.
The problem with all wefare estimates is their inherent imprecision, as well as the oversight that in any altruistic project—such as that of the EA community—the key factor is the motivation of the altruistic agents. Calculating any objectively altruistic action means ignoring the subjective element of the altruistic act.
The only effective calculation is one that prioritizes the motivation of the altruistic agents. Appealing to mere altruistic principles based on a cognitive understanding is insufficient. Hence the twenty-year failure of the EA community in its unsuccessful attempt to rationalize altruism. Altruism cannot be rationalized outside of a cultural conception of the altruistic agent’s motivation.
One contribution in this regard is that altruism can be cultivated as a necessary element within the development of a culture of benevolence, which might be sufficiently motivating to generate altruistic acts consistent with conventional welfare estimates.
But this is just one contribution among many others that could be made.