Executive summary: The author argues that utilitarianism and effective altruism are neither ill-willed nor unreasonable, and that high-minded critics who claim otherwise are mistaken or irrational.
Key points:
Utilitarianism can be seen as the combination of beneficent goals and instrumental rationality, neither of which is inherently objectionable.
Critics often make unfair assumptions about utilitarianism that misrepresent its goals and implications.
Effective altruism stems from virtuous motivations of impartial benevolence and a desire to effectively help others, which should be praised rather than dismissed.
Dismissing effective altruism for failing to prioritize the nearby ignores that the distant poor and future generations also deserve moral consideration.
Even if effective altruists ended up being ineffective, their good intentions and virtuous motivations would still be praiseworthy.
Criticisms of utilitarianism and effective altruism often reflect an indifference to obvious harms caused by discouraging effective philanthropic efforts.
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Executive summary: The author argues that utilitarianism and effective altruism are neither ill-willed nor unreasonable, and that high-minded critics who claim otherwise are mistaken or irrational.
Key points:
Utilitarianism can be seen as the combination of beneficent goals and instrumental rationality, neither of which is inherently objectionable.
Critics often make unfair assumptions about utilitarianism that misrepresent its goals and implications.
Effective altruism stems from virtuous motivations of impartial benevolence and a desire to effectively help others, which should be praised rather than dismissed.
Dismissing effective altruism for failing to prioritize the nearby ignores that the distant poor and future generations also deserve moral consideration.
Even if effective altruists ended up being ineffective, their good intentions and virtuous motivations would still be praiseworthy.
Criticisms of utilitarianism and effective altruism often reflect an indifference to obvious harms caused by discouraging effective philanthropic efforts.
This comment was auto-generated by the EA Forum Team. Feel free to point out issues with this summary by replying to the comment, and contact us if you have feedback.