Week 3: How do you form beliefs?

Abstract

This week, we will discuss the project of developing a clearer picture of the world and improving our thinking both for ourselves and our work. We’ll evaluate the argument for why this might be important, look at some reasons to be excited about the project, and look at some next steps. The project of effective altruism is one that tries to get a clearer picture of the world in order to take actions which would improve it. Some examples of questions we can ask are:

• How many animals are suffering right now?
• Which country’s culture is most likely to spread to others over the next 50 years such that efforts there will be multiplied?
• How much can I reduce the chance of existential catastrophe this century?