Crucial considerations and wise philanthropy

Abstract

This article explores the concept of crucial considerations in the context of effective altruism. Crucial considerations are arguments, ideas, or data that, if taken into account, would radically change the conclusions reached about how to direct efforts toward a given goal. The article examines various examples of deliberation ladders, which are sequences of crucial considerations that often lead to seemingly contradictory conclusions. The author proposes that the difficulty of finding stable, workable principles for effective altruism stems from the vast scope of the utilitarian preference, which extends far beyond human experience, into the realm of potentially infinite futures and super-advanced civilizations. This lack of familiarity makes it challenging to evaluate the relative importance of different interventions and to determine the sign (positive or negative) of various parameters. The article also suggests that the current historical moment may be a crucial pivot point, where the choices made could significantly affect the long-term future. The author offers a few potential remedies for navigating the uncertainty surrounding crucial considerations, including acting cautiously, investing in more analysis, taking into account moral uncertainty, and focusing on building the capacity for wise deliberation as a civilization. – AI-generated abstract