Steelmanning the argument for the utility of crypto besides speculation or resale value.
Baudrillard would call these crypto tokens pure signifier without signified. I disagree. I believe what tokens signify is hope. Undoubtedly, disenchantment has left a nihilistic void at the heart of society. Crypto, qua symbol, forms part of the re-enchantment of the world – a return to mythology. When someone invests in crypto, they receive utilons in return in the form of hope for a better future. They too, can become a multi-millionaire overnight and transform their life. Stories are important, the stories we believe in shape our quality of life. Crypto is the source of a story that helps people cope with difficult material circumstances.
Thoughts on on effective altruism and semantic drift.
Effective altruism – is it a question, a movement, an answer, a professional network or a community? Listed are the top three definitions found from a quick search:
‘Effective altruism is the use of evidence and reason to determine the most effective ways to benefit others’
‘Effective altruism is a research field and practical community that aims to find the best ways to help others, and put them into practice.’
‘Effective altruism (EA) is a philosophical and social movement that advocates using evidence and reason to figure out how to benefit others as much as possible, and taking action on that basis’
The organising idea behind ‘effective altruism’ – that we can do good better – is quite self-evident. I agree with this principle. However, to what extent should this principle be the foundation of a cohesive group-identity?
In my view, effective altruism’s raison d’être is as a vehicle for the underlying ideas. EA ought to be promoted to the extent it benefits the adaptation of these ideas – scope sensitivity, curiosity, good epistemic rigour and a will for a better world, alongside the other core principles of honesty, integrity, and so on. Should ‘EA’ as an identity be promoted, or should we strive to keep our identity small?