If you would be doing the same things even without the “for every human being” and “for every sentient being” then I’d agree, but it sounds to me like wanting things to be better for others is a big part of your motivation in working on this. Which sounds like altruism to me?
Is the objection that you don’t like the connotations of “altruism” as taking actions purely for the benefit of others? Or that it puts you in a frame where you’re thinking about sacrifices you’re making for others?
At the risk of being obtuse : I think the etymology of “altruism” is telling. It comes from a word meaning “other” or “other people”. Insofar as I want to make the future go as well as possible, I want to do it as expression of (an idealised) collective agency, not just as an individual helping those in need.
If you would be doing the same things even without the “for every human being” and “for every sentient being” then I’d agree, but it sounds to me like wanting things to be better for others is a big part of your motivation in working on this. Which sounds like altruism to me?
Is the objection that you don’t like the connotations of “altruism” as taking actions purely for the benefit of others? Or that it puts you in a frame where you’re thinking about sacrifices you’re making for others?
At the risk of being obtuse : I think the etymology of “altruism” is telling. It comes from a word meaning “other” or “other people”. Insofar as I want to make the future go as well as possible, I want to do it as expression of (an idealised) collective agency, not just as an individual helping those in need.