Futurists & Big-Picture Thinkers
Doing Good Better
William MacAskill · 2015 · Avery
An introduction to effective altruism — using evidence and reasoning to do the most good with limited resources — that shaped much of the thinking later applied to AI safety. Covers effective altruism broadly, not AI specifically.
Cover image: Open Library.
Summary
This book explores how to maximize positive impact through the philosophy of effective altruism. The author, William MacAskill, suggests that conventional approaches to doing good often rely on assumptions and emotions rather than factual evidence. He and his colleagues developed effective altruism as a data-driven method to achieve significant positive change, regardless of available resources. The book outlines principles that encourage critical thinking, bias reduction, and the use of evidence-based reasoning in altruistic endeavors. MacAskill argues that by applying both intellect and empathy, individuals can achieve a substantial amount of good.
Summary based on the publisher's page ↗
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About the author
William MacAskill
William MacAskill is an associate professor of philosophy at the University of Oxford. He is also a cofounder of the nonprofit organizations Giving What We Can and 80,000 Hours, which have helped foster the effective altruism movement.
Source: Publisher page ↗
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