When philosophers wax poetic about the possibilities of humanity's future, it can appear ethereal and unattainable. Not so with William MacAskill, the Scottish philosopher who is making it his life's mission to translate those abstract ideas into real-world impact. Born in 1987 in Glasgow, Scotland, MacAskill has been instrumental in developing the effective altruism movement, a philosophy and social movement that advocates using reason and evidence to determine the most effective ways to improve the world. Since co-founding the movement in the early 2010s, MacAskill has inspired countless individuals to think critically about how they can do the most good.
Now, you may be wondering, why does MacAskill's journey matter? It’s because throughout history, there have been countless proponents of how to live a good life, but MacAskill stands out with his unique blend of scientific rigor and an infectious optimism about humanity’s potential. By breaking down moral philosophy and prioritization into understandable, actionable advice, MacAskill is not just philosophizing in ivory towers; he's addressing tangible, pressing global issues like poverty, health, and existential risks.
The Making of a Modern-Day Philosopher
MacAskill’s journey into the realm of moral philosophy began when he was studying at Cambridge University. He was struck by a singular idea: moral questions should be approached with the same analytical scrutiny as scientific ones. Questions like "What careers cause the most good?" or "Where will my donations have the most impact?" became the foundations of what would later grow into effective altruism – a field that merges philosophy with pragmatic action to tackle the world’s most significant problems.
After Cambridge, MacAskill's quest for knowledge took him to the University of Oxford, where he earned a Ph.D. in philosophy. Here, his vision for a better world crystalized, and his collaborations with influential thinkers and economists opened doors for effective altruism to blossom into a global movement.
The Rise of Effective Altruism
Around 2011, MacAskill's vision materialized into action. Alongside fellow thinkers Toby Ord and Nick Bostrom, he established multiple organizations, including the Centre for Effective Altruism and the charity evaluator 80,000 Hours. These platforms serve as the backbone for effective altruism, guiding individuals and institutions on how best they can contribute to human welfare.
Under MacAskill’s leadership, effective altruism challenges us to reconsider how we give to charity and make decisions in our careers. He's known for the daunting yet insightful question: if we each have limited resources, how can we maximize our impact on the world? It's not only about donating money but also about measuring effectiveness and prioritizing interventions that yield the greatest benefits.
Bringing Altruism to the Masses
What sets MacAskill apart is his fervent commitment to education and accessibility. His book, "Doing Good Better," simplifies the tenets of effective altruism for a wider audience, unpacking philosophical theories with real-life examples that resonate across different fields and interests.
A testament to MacAskill's success is the growing community that rallies around the principles of effective altruism. More than just donating money or choosing a particular career, followers of the movement are dedicated to empirical evaluation and cost-effective outcomes, which are principles that resonate deeply with the scientific mindset.
Facing Existential Challenges
In recent years, MacAskill has turned more of his attention toward safeguarding humanity’s long-term future. He sees addressing existential risks—those that could wipe out humanity or severely alter our future potential—as urgent. These include catastrophic events like engineered pandemics, runaway artificial intelligence, and nuclear conflict.
Despite the gravity of these challenges, MacAskill remains ever optimistic. He believes in humanity's capability to solve even the toughest global issues. His practical optimism doesn't shy away from complexity; instead, it invites all of us to participate, learn, and act.
A Call to Action
Even if you're someone who hasn’t pondered deeply philosophical questions nor sat in on a lecture at Oxford, MacAskill’s ethos is profoundly relevant. It’s a reminder that while no one person can solve all the world’s problems, everyone can contribute as part of a larger solution. His work reaffirms that thoughtful consideration coupled with effective action can transform how we make decisions that reverberate with positive global consequences.
In a world inundated with information and possibilities, MacAskill stands out as a beacon of clarity and purpose. By reimagining our approach to altruism as a scientific endeavor, driven by optimism and grounded in evidence, he is helping to pave the way towards a future where human potential can flourish more equitably and sustainably.