Cash prizes for the best arguments against psychedelics being an EA cause area

Abstract

This article presents arguments for classifying psychedelic research and advocacy as an effective altruist cause area, inviting counterarguments. It argues that psychedelics could positively impact well-being in both the short and long term. In the short term, psychedelics show promise in treating a range of mental health issues, potentially putting them on par with global poverty interventions in terms of reducing suffering. From a long-termist perspective, the article suggests that psychedelics could increase the number of well-intentioned and capable individuals, thereby improving humanity’s ability to navigate future challenges. This effect is deemed robust to consequentialist cluelessness, the difficulty of predicting the long-term consequences of actions. The article acknowledges the need for further research, particularly regarding the impact of psychedelics on healthy individuals and the long-term societal effects of increased psychedelic use. – AI-generated abstract.