Interesting argument about ‘side effects’ vs ‘externalities’. I was assuming that organizations/individuals were being ‘selfishly’ rational, and assuming that a relatively small fraction of things like the field-building effects would benefit the specific organization doing the field-building. But ‘side effects’ does seem like it might be more accurate, so possibly I should adjust the title.
Sure, take it or leave it! I think for the field-building benefits it can look more obviously like an externality (though I-the-fundraiser would in fact be pleased and not indifferent, presumably!), but the epistemic benefits could easily accrue mainly to me-the-fundraiser (of course they could also benefit other parties).
Interesting argument about ‘side effects’ vs ‘externalities’. I was assuming that organizations/individuals were being ‘selfishly’ rational, and assuming that a relatively small fraction of things like the field-building effects would benefit the specific organization doing the field-building. But ‘side effects’ does seem like it might be more accurate, so possibly I should adjust the title.
Sure, take it or leave it! I think for the field-building benefits it can look more obviously like an externality (though I-the-fundraiser would in fact be pleased and not indifferent, presumably!), but the epistemic benefits could easily accrue mainly to me-the-fundraiser (of course they could also benefit other parties).