I have a few questions about the space of EA communities.
You mention
Projects that build communities focused on impartial, scope-sensitive and ambitious altruism.
as in scope. I am curious what existing examples you have of communities that place emphasis on these values aside from the core âEAâ brand?
I know that GWWC kind of exists as itâs own community independent of âEAâ to ~some extent, but honestly I am unclear to what extent. Also, I guess LessWrong and the broader rationality-cinematic-universe might kind of fit here too, but realistically whenever scope sensitive altruism is the topic of discussion on LessWrong an EA Forum cross-post is likely. Are there any big âimpartial, scope-sensitive and ambitious altruismâ communities I am missing? I know there are several non-profits independently working on charity evaluation and that sort of thing, but I am not very aware of distinct âcommunitiesâ per say?
Some of my motivation for asking is that I actually think there is a lot of potential when it comes to EA-esque communities that arenât actually officially âEAâ or âEA Groupsâ. In particular, I am personally interested in the idea of local EA-esque community groups with a more proactive focus on fellowship, loving community, social kindness/âfraternity, and providing people a context for profound/âmeaningful experiences. Still championing many EA-values (scope-sensitivity, broad moral circles, proactive ethics) and EA tools (effective giving, research oriented, and ethics-driven careers), but in the context of a group which is a shade or two more like churches, humanist associations, and the Sunday Assembly and a shade or two less like Rotary Clubs or professional groups.
Thatâs just one idea, but Iâm really trying to ask about the broader status of EA-diaspora communities /â non-canonically âEAâ community groups under EAIF? I would like to more clearly understand what the canonical âstewards of the EA brandâ in CEA and the EAIF have in mind for the future of EA groups and the movement as a whole? What does success look like here; what are these groups trying to be /â blossom into? And to the extent that my personal vision for âthe future of EAâ is different, is a clear-break /â diaspora the way to go?
I didnât write that wording originally (I just copied it over from this post), so I canât speak exactly to their original thinking.
But I think the phrasing includes the EA community, it just uses the plural to avoid excluding others.
Some examples that jump to mind:
EA
Rationality, x-risk, s-risk, AI Safety, wild animal welfare, etc to varying degrees
Org-specific communities, e.g. the fellows and follow-up opportunities on various fellowship programmes.
I would like to more clearly understand what the canonical âstewards of the EA brandâ in CEA and the EAIF have in mind for the future of EA groups and the movement as a whole?
I think this suggests more of a sense of unity/âagreement than I expect is true in practice. These are complex things and individuals have different views and ideas!
Thanks for thinking this stuff through and coming up with ideas!
I have a few questions about the space of EA communities.
You mention
as in scope. I am curious what existing examples you have of communities that place emphasis on these values aside from the core âEAâ brand?
I know that GWWC kind of exists as itâs own community independent of âEAâ to ~some extent, but honestly I am unclear to what extent. Also, I guess LessWrong and the broader rationality-cinematic-universe might kind of fit here too, but realistically whenever scope sensitive altruism is the topic of discussion on LessWrong an EA Forum cross-post is likely. Are there any big âimpartial, scope-sensitive and ambitious altruismâ communities I am missing? I know there are several non-profits independently working on charity evaluation and that sort of thing, but I am not very aware of distinct âcommunitiesâ per say?
Some of my motivation for asking is that I actually think there is a lot of potential when it comes to EA-esque communities that arenât actually officially âEAâ or âEA Groupsâ. In particular, I am personally interested in the idea of local EA-esque community groups with a more proactive focus on fellowship, loving community, social kindness/âfraternity, and providing people a context for profound/âmeaningful experiences. Still championing many EA-values (scope-sensitivity, broad moral circles, proactive ethics) and EA tools (effective giving, research oriented, and ethics-driven careers), but in the context of a group which is a shade or two more like churches, humanist associations, and the Sunday Assembly and a shade or two less like Rotary Clubs or professional groups.
Thatâs just one idea, but Iâm really trying to ask about the broader status of EA-diaspora communities /â non-canonically âEAâ community groups under EAIF? I would like to more clearly understand what the canonical âstewards of the EA brandâ in CEA and the EAIF have in mind for the future of EA groups and the movement as a whole? What does success look like here; what are these groups trying to be /â blossom into? And to the extent that my personal vision for âthe future of EAâ is different, is a clear-break /â diaspora the way to go?
Thanks!
I didnât write that wording originally (I just copied it over from this post), so I canât speak exactly to their original thinking.
But I think the phrasing includes the EA community, it just uses the plural to avoid excluding others.
Some examples that jump to mind:
EA
Rationality, x-risk, s-risk, AI Safety, wild animal welfare, etc to varying degrees
Org-specific communities, e.g. the fellows and follow-up opportunities on various fellowship programmes.
I think this suggests more of a sense of unity/âagreement than I expect is true in practice. These are complex things and individuals have different views and ideas!
Thanks for thinking this stuff through and coming up with ideas!