EPISODE · Nov 27, 2025 · 44 MIN
Would you ruin your shoes to save a drowning child?
from The CRAM Podcast ~ Extraordinary Ideas Unleashed · host Mary Ito
Of course you’d ruin your shoes to save a drowning child! What a question, right?But if that’s the case, why wouldn’t you donate a few dollars to save the life of a child? Doesn’t it come down to the same thing? This is the question that a global movement called Effective Altruism asks.EA does research on where you should donate your money so it has the biggest impact. The EA approach is to gather data and use specific criteria to determine which charities are saving or extending lives, dollar for dollar. Does this sound like a good approach to giving? Economist Calum Carmichael a retired professor formerly with the School of Public Policy and Administration at Carleton University explores the pros and cons of Effective Altruism. INFO ON GUEST:Calum Carmichael is a retired professor formerly with the School of Public Policy and Administration at Carleton University. https://carleton.ca/sppa/people/carmichael-calum-m/Carmichael’s articles on Effective Altruism: “What the Philanthropic Sector can take from the downfall of Sam Bankman-Fried and his ties to EA.” https://carleton.ca/panl/closer-takes/The Centre for Effective Altruism. https://www.centreforeffectivealtruism.org/ We’d really appreciate your support! Please rate our podcast and subscribe and follow us on social @CRAMideas. Support the CRAM Podcast!Research shapes our lives, yet so much of it doesn’t reach the public. CRAM bridges the gap, bringing groundbreaking Canadian research to everyone. To keep this important work going, we need your support.CRAM is a registered charity, and Canadian donors will receive a tax receipt. Help us share the research that matters and donate using the link below. Thank you!https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/124993
What this episode covers
Of course you’d ruin your shoes to save a drowning child! What a question, right? But if that’s the case, why wouldn’t you donate a few dollars to save the life of a child? Doesn’t it come down to the same thing? This is the question that a global movement called Effective Altruism asks. EA does research on where you should donate your money so it has the biggest impact. The EA approach is to gather data and use specific criteria to determine which charities are savin...
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Would you ruin your shoes to save a drowning child?
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