3 ms·
The point is that its not socially optimal. The socially optimal solution would optimize global utility, as in it would not be influenced by the starting wealth
by spencerflem 1y ago
The point is that its not socially optimal. The socially optimal solution would optimize global utility, as in it would not be influenced by the starting wealth of each person. If you allow starting wealth to influence things, their needs will be optimized for more at the expense of people who do not.
Yes, that goes against the idea that "money has utility" but the point the article was making was that its not socially optimal anymore not that is regressive compared to whatever other strategy, like straight matching funds. There's no math claim that straight matching funds is optimal either.
I think maybe we're speaking past eachother? Because yea totally I'd rather there be a multiplier based on the # of people than not given either that or a straight match. And your other options sound good too: "always fix non-optional things" and "do things democraticly (so 1 person 1 vote, not 1 dollar)"
But the article is making a very specific point about a claim of QF being mathematically socially optimal that isn't being met.
- sokoloff 1y agoI think all of these schemes end up failing in environments other than academic papers. If I was a wealthy person and the calculation was based on share of wealth donated, I’m pretty sure I’d find a way to become a massive employer of temporary labor locally at $100/hr but only for 8 hours, make clear my preference for the art museum or other causes, and that I like to learn about what causes matter to them. Accordingly, those local workers for whom I like their cause and story of why it matters to them, I’ll match their donations (based on receipts showing their donations) and also setup a series of follow-up paid interviews in the future to learn about their on-going donations to a cause they obviously care so deeply about. They keep about half the money to compensate for their time and to grow their wealth, I get to socialize with some people who support the same causes I do, I no longer have an outsized donation in my name [we wouldn’t want me to have an outsized influence], and together, we can really do great things!
- spencerflem 1y agoI don't disagree! Collusion was one of the other problems mentioned in the article as a way that QF does not function in reality. I'm not advocating for it at all