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It's not clear why they see this as a nascent movement. My impression of the Gates Foundation is that it uses the funds it donates in a highly analytical fashio

It's not clear why they see this as a nascent movement. My impression of the Gates Foundation is that it uses the funds it donates in a highly analytical fashion to maximize the 'net positive gain' in the welfare of humanity. First example that comes to mind is their commitment to eradicating polio. This analytical approch been their M.O. for 20 years.

zimablue 8y ago
EA has been around for a while and the Gates foundation is the exception not the rule.
Proven 8y ago
Where was the science before they screwed up bigly with the mosquito nets?
jseliger 8y ago
Effective altruism is well-known among a small number of nerds and not at all known or used in many other sectors. I do grant writing for nonprofit and public agencies, and I just wrote about how little government is (really) interested in it: http://seliger.com/2018/06/01/youre-not-organization-isnt-worried-long-term-grant-evaluations http://seliger.com/2018/06/01/youre-not-organization-isnt-wo... Those of you interested should read the philanthropy chapter in Robin Hanson and Kevin Simler's book The Elephant and the Brain.
Viliam1234 8y ago
I guess the new aspect is the attempt to make it a mass movement. Not just something that Gates family does and everyone else goes "well, it's their choice how they spend their own money", but something that average people talk about. Also, the outsourcing of research. If Gates Foundation wants to donate their millions effectively, they can use a part of the budget to find out what are the most effective ways to help. If an average person wants to donate $100, that's not enough budget to also include research. Now the person with $100 can simply read some Effective Altruist websites and follow their recommendations; thus getting the advantage of research they would not be able to finance themselves.

zimablue 8y ago

EA has been around for a while and the Gates foundation is the exception not the rule.

Proven 8y ago

Where was the science before they screwed up bigly with the mosquito nets?

jseliger 8y ago

Effective altruism is well-known among a small number of nerds and not at all known or used in many other sectors. I do grant writing for nonprofit and public agencies, and I just wrote about how little government is (really) interested in it: http://seliger.com/2018/06/01/youre-not-organization-isnt-worried-long-term-grant-evaluations http://seliger.com/2018/06/01/youre-not-organization-isnt-wo... Those of you interested should read the philanthropy chapter in Robin Hanson and Kevin Simler's book The Elephant and the Brain.

Viliam1234 8y ago

I guess the new aspect is the attempt to make it a mass movement. Not just something that Gates family does and everyone else goes "well, it's their choice how they spend their own money", but something that average people talk about. Also, the outsourcing of research. If Gates Foundation wants to donate their millions effectively, they can use a part of the budget to find out what are the most effective ways to help. If an average person wants to donate $100, that's not enough budget to also include research. Now the person with $100 can simply read some Effective Altruist websites and follow their recommendations; thus getting the advantage of research they would not be able to finance themselves.