Worldview diversification

Abstract

The author discusses the practice of ‘worldview diversification’ in philanthropy, which entails allocating resources to multiple causes, each aligned with different and potentially incommensurable value systems. The author argues that while a ‘best guess’ approach might maximize expected value in a hypothetical scenario with perfect information, the high uncertainty and diminishing returns inherent in real-world philanthropy favor a strategy of supporting multiple, promising worldviews. This strategy is seen as ethically sound due to its resemblance to an agreement that would be reached behind a ‘veil of ignorance,’ maximizing welfare across diverse value systems. Additionally, the author highlights the benefits of building capacity in a variety of causes, leading to option value, increased appeal to a broader donor base, and more accurate assessment of impact. – AI-generated abstract