I’m skeptical of explicit metrics like “number of GWWC pledge signers”, “money moved”, etc. Any metrics that get proposed will be imperfect and may fall prey to Goodhart’s law.
To me, careful analysis and thoughtful discussion are the most important aspects of EA. Good intentions are not enough. (After you read the previous article, imagine if an earlier EA movement had focused on “money moved to Africa” as its success metric.)
The default case is for humans to act altruistically in order to look good, not do good. It’s very important for us to resist the pull of this attractor for as long as possible.
I’m skeptical of explicit metrics like “number of GWWC pledge signers”, “money moved”, etc. Any metrics that get proposed will be imperfect and may fall prey to Goodhart’s law.
To me, careful analysis and thoughtful discussion are the most important aspects of EA. Good intentions are not enough. (After you read the previous article, imagine if an earlier EA movement had focused on “money moved to Africa” as its success metric.)
The default case is for humans to act altruistically in order to look good, not do good. It’s very important for us to resist the pull of this attractor for as long as possible.