I find another motte-and-bailey situation more striking: the motte of “make your donations count by going to the most effective place” and the bailey of “also give all your money!”
I personally know a lot of people who have been turned off of effective altruism by the bailey here, and while some seem to disagree with the motte, they are legions fewer. In the discussion about how to present EA to those we know, I think in many circumstances I’d recommend sticking with the motte, especially until you know they are very on board with that and perhaps come up with the bailey on their own.
I find another motte-and-bailey situation more striking: the motte of “make your donations count by going to the most effective place” and the bailey of “also give all your money!”
I personally know a lot of people who have been turned off of effective altruism by the bailey here, and while some seem to disagree with the motte, they are legions fewer. In the discussion about how to present EA to those we know, I think in many circumstances I’d recommend sticking with the motte, especially until you know they are very on board with that and perhaps come up with the bailey on their own.