Ajeya Cotra on forecasting transformative artificial intelligence

Abstract

Effective altruism is a philosophical and practical approach that aims to identify and implement the most effective ways to help others and reduce suffering. This approach emphasizes the importance of considering evidence and data when making decisions about how to allocate resources, and focuses on problems that are important, neglected, and tractable. Effective altruists believe that we can make a significant impact by focusing our efforts on the interventions that are most likely to lead to positive change. Proponents point to charitable initiatives such as preventing deaths from neglected diseases and advocating for animal welfare as evidence of their success. – AI-generated abstract.