The most common critique of effective altruism that I encounter is the following: it’s not fair to choose. Many people see a fundamental unfairness in prioritizing the needs of some over the needs of others. Such critics ask: who are we to decide whose need is most urgent? I hear this critique from some on the left who prefer mutual aid or a giving-when-asked approach; from some who prefer to give locally; and from some who are simply uneasy about the idea of choosing.
To this, I inevitably reply that we are always choosing. When we give money only to those who ask as we walk down the street, we are choosing to prioritize their needs over the needs of those whose calls for help cannot or will not reach us. The choice not to choose is really a choice to leave the decision to external factors.
Resources are limited. We must choose. The question is how, and this is the role of effective altruism.
This post articulates an essential component of effective altruism in an elegant way. It provides a simple metaphor that is helpful both for adherents of the movement to reflect on what effective altruism involves and to communicate with the public about the ideas that undergird the movement. This simple, powerful metaphor renders this post deserving of lasting attention.
The post itself could be stronger; I think there’s a reasonable argument that the post would be equally strong or stronger without the central example. An abbreviated version of the piece, consisting of the first full paragraph in conjunction with the final four, could serve as a brief overview of this sharp idea. However, that’s something of a quibble: the piece is well-written, and explores a brilliant idea. I’m grateful that I had the chance to read it, and I would highly recommend that others give it a read.
This is such a great summary and restatement! You suggest a shorter version of the piece and I think a longer version of this comment might do that job perfectly.
The most common critique of effective altruism that I encounter is the following: it’s not fair to choose. Many people see a fundamental unfairness in prioritizing the needs of some over the needs of others. Such critics ask: who are we to decide whose need is most urgent? I hear this critique from some on the left who prefer mutual aid or a giving-when-asked approach; from some who prefer to give locally; and from some who are simply uneasy about the idea of choosing.
To this, I inevitably reply that we are always choosing. When we give money only to those who ask as we walk down the street, we are choosing to prioritize their needs over the needs of those whose calls for help cannot or will not reach us. The choice not to choose is really a choice to leave the decision to external factors.
Resources are limited. We must choose. The question is how, and this is the role of effective altruism.
This post articulates an essential component of effective altruism in an elegant way. It provides a simple metaphor that is helpful both for adherents of the movement to reflect on what effective altruism involves and to communicate with the public about the ideas that undergird the movement. This simple, powerful metaphor renders this post deserving of lasting attention.
The post itself could be stronger; I think there’s a reasonable argument that the post would be equally strong or stronger without the central example. An abbreviated version of the piece, consisting of the first full paragraph in conjunction with the final four, could serve as a brief overview of this sharp idea. However, that’s something of a quibble: the piece is well-written, and explores a brilliant idea. I’m grateful that I had the chance to read it, and I would highly recommend that others give it a read.
This is such a great summary and restatement! You suggest a shorter version of the piece and I think a longer version of this comment might do that job perfectly.