
Contents
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1. Previous definitions of effective altruism 1. Previous definitions of effective altruism
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2. Effective altruism as a project, rather than a normative claim 2. Effective altruism as a project, rather than a normative claim
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3. Effective altruism as tentatively impartial and welfarist 3. Effective altruism as tentatively impartial and welfarist
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4. Misunderstandings of effective altruism 4. Misunderstandings of effective altruism
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4.1 Misconception #1: Effective altruism is just utilitarianism 4.1 Misconception #1: Effective altruism is just utilitarianism
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4.2 Misconception #2: Effective altruism is just about fighting poverty 4.2 Misconception #2: Effective altruism is just about fighting poverty
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4.3 Misconception #3: Effective altruism is entirely about donations or earning to give 4.3 Misconception #3: Effective altruism is entirely about donations or earning to give
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4.4 Misconception #4: Effective altruism ignores systemic change 4.4 Misconception #4: Effective altruism ignores systemic change
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5. Conclusion 5. Conclusion
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References References
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1 The Definition of Effective Altruism
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Published:September 2019
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Abstract
The term “effective altruism” has no official definition, meaning that different authors will inevitably understand the term in different ways. Since this harbours the potential for considerable confusion, William MacAskill, one of the leaders of the effective altruism movement, has contributed a chapter aimed at forestalling some of these potential confusions. In this chapter, MacAskill first outlines a brief history of the effective altruism movement. He then proposes his preferred definition of “effective altruism”, aiming to capture the central activities and concerns of those most deeply involved in the movement. Finally, he replies to various common misconceptions about the movement. These include the views that effective altruism is just utilitarianism, that it is purely about poverty alleviation, that it is purely about donations, and that it in principle ignores possibilities for systemic change.
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