How long would it take to create $2k of value? That’s generally 1-2 weeks of work. So if kidney donation makes you lose more than 1-2 weeks of life, and those weeks constitute funds that you would donate, or voluntary contributions that you would make, then it’s a net negative activity for an effective altruist.
This can’t be the right comparison to make if the 1-2 weeks of life is lost decades from now. The (foregone) altruistic opportunities in 2060 are likely to cost much more than $2000 per 15 DALY’s averted.
I think the basic shape of your argument still holds, based on foregone income that you could donate today, but a slightly shorter retirement doesn’t look like it makes much difference to one’s total altruism (especially if you leave donations to charity in your will).
This can’t be the right comparison to make if the 1-2 weeks of life is lost decades from now. The (foregone) altruistic opportunities in 2060 are likely to cost much more than $2000 per 15 DALY’s averted.
I think the basic shape of your argument still holds, based on foregone income that you could donate today, but a slightly shorter retirement doesn’t look like it makes much difference to one’s total altruism (especially if you leave donations to charity in your will).