Some followers of this movement give up to half of their income to charity. Their message is winning both converts and critics
Washington Post, September 23, 2020
Abstract
Effective altruism is a movement that encourages people to use logic and evidence to determine the best ways to improve the world. Effective altruists believe that people should donate a large percentage of their income to causes that demonstrably save lives, especially those that are neglected and address large-scale suffering. The movement emphasizes global poverty and animal welfare as high priorities, arguing that donations to these areas are more efficient than giving to local charities or causes that are more personally meaningful. It also advocates for investing in research and policies that mitigate existential risks to humanity, such as a pandemic or artificial intelligence. The movement has grown in recent years and has attracted followers from diverse backgrounds, including tech entrepreneurs, poker players, and even devout Christians. However, it faces criticism for being overly utilitarian, potentially insensitive to individual needs, and difficult to communicate effectively to the wider public. – AI-generated abstract
