Welcome to the EA Forum, Marty. Thanks for posting.
A few thoughts:
EA does not claim to be utilitarian
Urging giving to the most downtrodden is only one common recommendation in EA (and in fact the community is often criticised internally and externally for not giving enough to the most downtrodden)
My definition of utilitarianism is not restricted to humans (far from it!)
This community discourages confidently stating controversial opinions without much supporting evidence/argument—I think people would be more receptive if you spoke with more humility, e.g. instead of saying “And that would,” saying “And that might” or “And I think that would”
Lines of reasoning that point to apparent panaceas are obviously very alluring, but given that you can make similar arguments for many other apparent panaceas (economic growth, empathy training, rationality workshops, global health, improving science, etc.), I think you need a much stronger argument to persuade people that your proposed solution should be prioritised above all others
I still like your basic point and it looks like the Future Fund did too since they funded Pratibha Poshak (who recently posted on this forum asking for support, incidentally)
Welcome to the EA Forum, Marty. Thanks for posting.
A few thoughts:
EA does not claim to be utilitarian
Urging giving to the most downtrodden is only one common recommendation in EA (and in fact the community is often criticised internally and externally for not giving enough to the most downtrodden)
My definition of utilitarianism is not restricted to humans (far from it!)
This community discourages confidently stating controversial opinions without much supporting evidence/argument—I think people would be more receptive if you spoke with more humility, e.g. instead of saying “And that would,” saying “And that might” or “And I think that would”
Lines of reasoning that point to apparent panaceas are obviously very alluring, but given that you can make similar arguments for many other apparent panaceas (economic growth, empathy training, rationality workshops, global health, improving science, etc.), I think you need a much stronger argument to persuade people that your proposed solution should be prioritised above all others
I still like your basic point and it looks like the Future Fund did too since they funded Pratibha Poshak (who recently posted on this forum asking for support, incidentally)