This is all sounds great, thanks for a full briefing!
I’m particularly excited about two bits.
the shift of focus to more theoretical research. I’ve been worrying for a while that’s there hasn’t been enough discussion/openess/clarity about the theoretical justifications underpinning various conclusions. Most obviously, I’ve noticed that most members of EA ‘high command’ (e.g. Will MacA, Ben Todd, Rob Wiblin) adopt some form of total utilitarianism, whereas a sizeable % of EAs I speak to (maybe 20-40%) are more inclined to a person-affecting view, are a bit sceptical of prioritises X-risk over helping people in the here and now. I obviously don’t mind people disagreeing, but I don’t feel that person-affecting views are given a fair whack o’ the whip, or even what the relevant forum would be to bring these concerns to at present. I’m sure others will have other theoretical considerations they think are neglected.
I think the Oxford Institute for Effective Altruism sounds awesome. In part because it may be a partial answer to the above, and also, on a more personal basis, because I may find a home for some of the interdisciplinary research I want to do that sits awkwardly in a philsophy department.
This is all sounds great, thanks for a full briefing!
I’m particularly excited about two bits.
the shift of focus to more theoretical research. I’ve been worrying for a while that’s there hasn’t been enough discussion/openess/clarity about the theoretical justifications underpinning various conclusions. Most obviously, I’ve noticed that most members of EA ‘high command’ (e.g. Will MacA, Ben Todd, Rob Wiblin) adopt some form of total utilitarianism, whereas a sizeable % of EAs I speak to (maybe 20-40%) are more inclined to a person-affecting view, are a bit sceptical of prioritises X-risk over helping people in the here and now. I obviously don’t mind people disagreeing, but I don’t feel that person-affecting views are given a fair whack o’ the whip, or even what the relevant forum would be to bring these concerns to at present. I’m sure others will have other theoretical considerations they think are neglected.
I think the Oxford Institute for Effective Altruism sounds awesome. In part because it may be a partial answer to the above, and also, on a more personal basis, because I may find a home for some of the interdisciplinary research I want to do that sits awkwardly in a philsophy department.