If I were in your position, I would probably give them a portfolio that included direct basic science funding as well as some things that may not be as direct or basic. I would suggest a distribution but make it clear that they might prefer a different one.
To me this seems like a responsible reaction to the fact that I would think their parameters are somewhat at odds with my own values, and it doesn’t require trying to subvert their request. Their value function may even be more similar to mine than I realize—I’d want to give that prospect a chance to bear out.
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All money given to GiveDirectly funds an RCT about direct cash transfers, so it is a science project. This might not be basic enough or align with your relative’s politics, though.
If your relative would be interested in scholarships, a number of people come to the EA Hotel to self-study (usually in math/CS, which seems fairly basic to me). You could cheaply buy study hours by donating to the hotel and earmarking the money for funding self-study.
If I were in your position, I would probably give them a portfolio that included direct basic science funding as well as some things that may not be as direct or basic. I would suggest a distribution but make it clear that they might prefer a different one.
To me this seems like a responsible reaction to the fact that I would think their parameters are somewhat at odds with my own values, and it doesn’t require trying to subvert their request. Their value function may even be more similar to mine than I realize—I’d want to give that prospect a chance to bear out.
--
All money given to GiveDirectly funds an RCT about direct cash transfers, so it is a science project. This might not be basic enough or align with your relative’s politics, though.
If your relative would be interested in scholarships, a number of people come to the EA Hotel to self-study (usually in math/CS, which seems fairly basic to me). You could cheaply buy study hours by donating to the hotel and earmarking the money for funding self-study.