Good Judgment with Numbers

Abstract

The role of quantitative tools in practical decision-making is often seen as an “all or nothing” proposition. Either one blindly follows a simple algorithm, or dismisses quantitative methods entirely. This article argues that both positions are flawed, and moral agents should instead use good judgment informed by quantitative considerations. Dismissing all numbers can lead to inefficiencies, while blindly trusting them risks overlooking important factors. Effective altruism aims to navigate this middle ground, balancing scale, tractability, and potential risks. – AI-generated abstract