Effective Altruism and the Transaction Costs of Maximizing Expected Value

Send us Fan MailA thought-provoking conversation about Effective Altruism (EA) with technologist Ben Goldhaber, as we explore its intersections with utilitarianism and transaction costs. We'll try to navigate the tricky terrains of libertarianism and the more "directed" world of EA, balancing directional and destinationist solutions, and the role of strong leadership and community dynamics in maintaining this equilibrium. We'll question the limits of utility maximization as a framework and ponder over the potential dangers it could pose if unchecked. Our discussion investigates how EA, rational thinking, and global development has influenced the field of AI alignment. And my favorite new TWEJ, from @dtarias. In the first monthly edition of TAITC.Some resources:The Reddit source for the TWEJSunday Brunch, for $195, at the BreakersEconTalk: Peter SingerEconTalk: Will McCaskill and LongtermismEconTalk: Eric Hoel and the Repugnant ConclusionKevin Munger--Everything Was Rational and Nothing VibedConsequentialism: IEPEffective Altruism ForumSB-F on SB-F (New York Times)If you have questions or comments, or want to suggest a future topic, email the show at [email protected] !You can follow Mike Munger on Twitter at @mungowitz