I’d suggest that the ultimate objective for a lot of American-origin political theory and the ultimate objective for a lot of altruistic behavior theories (economics, psychology, etc.) is self-determination. That’s where everyone wants to get. Its easy for political theorists, especially American theorists to grasp because individual liberty and anti-authoritarianism are such pervasive themes in the US poli sci academy. Its probably harder for EA folks to see specifically because of the entrenchment EA has with material definitions of good and wellbeing and the focus EA has on defining those concepts for others, but I think its still there if you asked an EA to define what a person who no longer needs help looks like.
The big question is, how do we get to self-determination and leading into that, how do altruists and political scientists define self-determination? I think that’d be an interesting parallel or juxtaposition.
I’d be really curious to hear about the value or importance Peter Singer places on self-determination, currently, and if he sees any parallels between this pretty clear objective of American political theory and the objectives of EA. Especially in the context of the sort of global battle (literal and figurative) for self-determination we currently find ourselves within.
You should post a link to the roundtable if there ends up being one—live or post. Sounds very interesting given the theme and thinkers.
I’d suggest that the ultimate objective for a lot of American-origin political theory and the ultimate objective for a lot of altruistic behavior theories (economics, psychology, etc.) is self-determination. That’s where everyone wants to get. Its easy for political theorists, especially American theorists to grasp because individual liberty and anti-authoritarianism are such pervasive themes in the US poli sci academy. Its probably harder for EA folks to see specifically because of the entrenchment EA has with material definitions of good and wellbeing and the focus EA has on defining those concepts for others, but I think its still there if you asked an EA to define what a person who no longer needs help looks like.
The big question is, how do we get to self-determination and leading into that, how do altruists and political scientists define self-determination? I think that’d be an interesting parallel or juxtaposition.
I’d be really curious to hear about the value or importance Peter Singer places on self-determination, currently, and if he sees any parallels between this pretty clear objective of American political theory and the objectives of EA. Especially in the context of the sort of global battle (literal and figurative) for self-determination we currently find ourselves within.
You should post a link to the roundtable if there ends up being one—live or post. Sounds very interesting given the theme and thinkers.