Have you ever wondered what it’s like to interview one of the most influential philosophers and thinkers of our time? Well, today we have the incredible opportunity to delve into the fascinating mind of William MacAskill. As a renowned philosopher, ethicist, and co-founder of the effective altruism movement, MacAskill has dedicated his life to making a positive impact on the world. With his thought-provoking ideas and distinctive insights, he has challenged conventional wisdom and pushed boundaries to redefine how we approach doing good. Today, we embark on a captivating conversation with William MacAskill to explore his philosophies, motivations, and the meaningful work he continues to do. Join us as we unravel the mind of a visionary and gain valuable perspectives on how we can create a better world for all.
William MacAskill is a philosopher, economist, and author who has made significant contributions to the field of effective altruism. Born in 1987 in London, MacAskill is recognized for his unique blend of academic expertise and practical activism, with a focus on addressing the world’s most pressing problems in the most efficient and impactful way possible. As a founder of several organizations, including 80,000 Hours and the Center for Effective Altruism, MacAskill has inspired countless individuals to rethink how they can make a positive difference in the world and maximize their social impact. With his thought-provoking ideas, rigorous research, and dedication to effective giving, he has emerged as a leading voice in the global movement for doing good effectively.
10 Thought-Provoking Questions with William MacAskill
1. Can you provide ten Doing Good Better by William MacAskill quotes to our readers?
Doing Good Better quotes as follows:
a) “Doing good better means using evidence and careful reasoning to find out how you can have the greatest positive impact on the world.”
b) “Making a difference is not about what feels good, but about what does good.”
c) “If we’re going to make a difference, we need to think carefully about how we can best use our resources to help others.”
d) “It’s not just the amount of good you do, but the quality of the good you do that counts.”
e) “We have a moral obligation to use our talents and resources to help those in need.”
f) “Doing good better requires examining our assumptions, questioning our methods, and continuously striving to improve our impact.”
g) “Charity isn’t just about giving; it’s about effectiveness and impact.”
h) “We can’t afford to be complacent in our efforts to do good; we must constantly evaluate and improve our actions.”
i) “Our goal should be to maximize the positive difference we can make, given the constraints we face.”
j) “The most pressing problems in the world deserve our attention, but we need to address them in the most effective and efficient ways possible.”
2.What motivated you to write “Doing Good Better”? Can you share the inspiration behind the book and explain why you believed it was important to address the topic of effective altruism and making a significant positive impact in the world through thoughtful and evidence-based philanthropy?
I was motivated to write “Doing Good Better” because I strongly believe in the power and potential of effective altruism. The inspiration behind the book came from my own experiences and observations in the field of philanthropy. I saw how people often wanted to make a positive difference in the world but were unsure of how to do so in the most effective way.
I believed it was important to address the topic of effective altruism because traditional approaches to charity often lack evidence-based thinking and result in wasted resources. I wanted to encourage a more thoughtful and rational approach to giving, where individuals could maximize their impact by carefully considering the evidence and utilizing cost-effectiveness analysis.
Through “Doing Good Better,” I aimed to provide readers with practical tools, real-life examples, and thought-provoking ideas that could help them make informed decisions about their charitable giving. By spreading the message of effective altruism, I hoped to inspire individuals to dedicate their resources and efforts towards initiatives that would truly make a significant positive impact on the world.
3.Your book introduces readers to the concept of effective altruism. Can you highlight some of the key principles and strategies that readers can learn from “Doing Good Better” to maximize the impact of their charitable efforts and contributions, as discussed in your book?
In “Doing Good Better,” I introduce readers to the concept of effective altruism, which aims to maximize the positive impact of our charitable efforts and contributions. Some key principles and strategies discussed in the book include:
1. Using evidence and reason: We should base our efforts on empirical evidence and reason to determine where our resources can have the greatest impact. This involves rigorous evaluation of different interventions and organizations.
2. Cause prioritization: Not all issues are equally important. By identifying the most pressing global problems, readers can channel their efforts towards causes that have the greatest potential to create lasting change.
3. Counterfactual thinking: Effective altruism encourages thinking about the alternative outcomes that could result from different interventions. By focusing on interventions with high leverage and large societal impact, we can achieve more.
4. Personal sacrifices: The book explores how individual lifestyle choices and career decisions can greatly influence our ability to do good. By opting for impactful careers and making modest personal sacrifices, individuals can increase their overall effectiveness.
By embracing these principles, readers can become more informed and intentional in their charitable giving, ultimately amplifying the impact of their efforts and contributing to positive social change on a global scale.
4.”Doing Good Better” emphasizes the importance of evidence-based decision-making in philanthropy. How can readers use the principles of effective altruism to identify and support initiatives and causes that have the greatest potential for positive change, as discussed in your book?
In “Doing Good Better,” I emphasize evidence-based decision-making in philanthropy as a crucial aspect of effective altruism. This means using data, research, and rigorous analysis to identify initiatives and causes with the greatest potential for positive change. Readers can apply the principles of effective altruism by critically evaluating the evidence behind various interventions and focusing on the key dimensions of effectiveness, such as magnitude, neglectedness, and tractability. By considering these dimensions, readers can identify high-impact opportunities and direct their resources towards initiatives that address neglected problems, have the potential for significant positive outcomes, and offer feasible solutions. Additionally, effective altruism encourages individuals to be impartial and open to revising their beliefs based on new evidence, which helps avoid biases and promotes effective decision-making. By adopting evidence-based practices and embracing the principles of effective altruism, readers can maximize their positive impact on the world.
5.Your book discusses the concept of “earning to give” and the idea of donating a portion of one’s income to effective causes. Can you provide insights into how readers can assess their own capacity for earning to give and align their career and financial choices with their altruistic values, as discussed in your book?
In my book, I discuss the concept of “earning to give” and how individuals can align their career and financial choices with their altruistic values. Assessing one’s capacity for earning to give requires careful reflection on personal skills, interests, and market demand. Readers can start by evaluating their potential earning potential in different career paths and industries. They should consider the skills they possess, the impact they can make in those fields, and the potential for high earnings. Additionally, they can explore the wide range of effective causes and charities that exist to better understand where their donations can have the most impact. It’s crucial to engage with the evidence and research around charitable interventions to determine the most effective ways to make a difference. By combining these insights, readers can make informed decisions about their careers and financial choices, maximizing their ability to contribute to effective causes and creating a positive impact in the world.
6.Effective altruism often involves ethical considerations and choices about where to allocate resources. What advice do you offer to readers for navigating ethical dilemmas and making informed decisions about their philanthropic actions, as discussed in your book?
As an advocate of Effective Altruism, I would advise readers to approach ethical dilemmas and decision-making in their philanthropic actions with a four-step framework outlined in my book and the movement. First, carefully consider the potential impact of different cause areas and interventions. Look for areas where resources can make the most significant difference in reducing suffering or promoting well-being.
Secondly, gather relevant information to weigh the costs, benefits, and risks associated with each option. Engage with experts, research, and organizations working in the field to gather insights and perspectives that inform decision-making.
Thirdly, reflect on personal values and moral principles, assessing how they align with each option. Consider long-term consequences, impartiality, and alternative viewpoints to make reasoned and informed judgments.
Lastly, take action and iterate. Effective altruism emphasizes experimentation and learning from the outcomes of past decisions. Monitor and evaluate the impact of your chosen interventions and adapt plans as new knowledge emerges.
By following these steps, readers can navigate ethical dilemmas and make informed decisions that maximize their positive impact in the world.
7.”Doing Good Better” explores the idea of impact assessment and accountability in charitable giving. How can readers evaluate the effectiveness of their donations and ensure that their contributions are making a meaningful difference in the causes they support, as discussed in your book?
In “Doing Good Better,” I delve into the critical aspect of impact assessment and accountability in charitable giving. I emphasize the importance of empowering readers to evaluate the effectiveness of their donations and ensure that their contributions truly make a meaningful difference. To achieve this, I suggest a framework called “cause prioritization,” which entails identifying the most pressing and neglected issues, as well as the most effective solutions to tackle them. By researching and supporting evidence-backed interventions, readers can maximize the impact of their donations.
Another essential concept I discuss is “evidence-based giving,” which advocates for rigorous evaluation of charities and projects to determine their impact. By researching organizations, assessing their track record and transparency, and using resources like GiveWell or ImpactMatters, readers can gain insights into a charity’s effectiveness. Moreover, exploring opportunities for personal engagement, such as volunteering or skill-based volunteering, can also ensure meaningful contributions.
Ultimately, the key lies in moving beyond simplistic measures like overhead costs and overhead ratios, and instead prioritizing measurable outcomes and evidence of impact. By actively seeking information, critically assessing charities, and prioritizing evidence-backed solutions, readers can truly achieve meaningful change through their charitable giving.
8.Your book addresses the importance of systemic change and addressing the root causes of social and global issues. Can you share strategies for readers to engage in systemic change efforts and advocacy while applying the principles of effective altruism, as discussed in your book?
In my book, I emphasize the significance of systemic change and tackling the root causes of societal and global problems. To engage in systemic change efforts while applying the principles of effective altruism, readers can employ a few strategies. First, they should identify the areas where their skills and resources align with systemic change, such as policy advocacy, research, or community organizing. By leveraging their unique abilities, individuals can have meaningful contributions to the cause. Second, readers should prioritize their efforts by assessing the potential for long-term impact. Effective altruism urges us to focus on areas with high leverage, where our actions can bring about substantial and lasting change. Lastly, collaboration and collective action are key. Readers can join forces with like-minded individuals and organizations to amplify their impact and drive systemic change more effectively. By combining the principles of effective altruism with these strategies, readers can actively contribute to tackling the root causes of social and global issues.
9.”Doing Good Better” offers a path to making a significant positive impact in the world through evidence-based philanthropy. Could you describe the transformative journey that readers can embark on by applying the principles of effective altruism outlined in your book?
In “Doing Good Better,” I present the principles of effective altruism and the transformative journey they offer to readers. By following evidence-based philanthropy, individuals can maximize their positive impact on the world. The journey begins with understanding the importance of cause selection, where readers learn to identify the most pressing global issues. Through rigorous analysis and research, they can identify opportunities for intervention where their resources can make a substantial difference. The next step involves evaluating interventions based on their cost-effectiveness and scalability. By focusing on evidence and data, readers can ensure that their efforts will have the greatest outcomes. Readers also learn about the value of personal career choice and the potential for impact in various professional fields. Finally, the journey involves active experimentation, such as making informed donations and supporting organizations that have a proven track record of success. By applying the principles of effective altruism, readers can embark on a transformative journey that has the potential to create a significant positive impact in the world.
10. Can you recommend more books like Doing Good Better?
a) “The Life You Can Save” by Peter Singer
b) “The Effective Altruism Handbook” edited by William MacAskill
c) “Earning to Give: A Guide to Donating 10% of Your Income to Charity” by Nick Fitz and Seb Farquhar
d) “Doing Good Even Better: How to Be an Effective Board Member of a Nonprofit Organization” by Edgar Stoesz
e) “Doing Good in the Hood: The Essential Guide to Volunteering and Making a Difference” by Tanya DeMarsh