ACX
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charity
Essays tagged “charity”. Follow an idea across the archive.
Essays on charity
30 essaysACX
Slightly Against The "Other People's Money" Argument Against Aid
Scott analyzes why people support government-funded foreign aid instead of donating voluntarily, examining and critiquing several theories including virtue signaling, coordination problems, and time-inconsistent preferences.
23 min read 3,434 words
ACX
Contra MR On Charity Regrants
Scott Alexander criticizes Tyler Cowen and others for misrepresenting USAID's funding model, explaining how regranting through other charities is both necessary and effective despite seeming inefficient to outsiders.
11 min read 1,560 words
ACX
The Other COVID Reckoning
Scott reflects on how COVID-19's massive death toll of 1.2 million Americans has been overshadowed in public discourse by more controversial but less significant aspects of the pandemic.
7 min read 1,002 words
ACX
Contra Stone On EA
Scott Alexander critiques Lyman Stone's arguments against Effective Altruism, defending the movement's impact, methodology, and philosophical foundations.
35 min read 5,420 words
ACX
ACX Grants Followup Impact Market
Scott Alexander introduces an impact market for unfunded ACX Grants proposals, allowing investors to crowdfund projects with potential returns in Manifund dollars.
13 min read 1,970 words
ACX
Highlights From The Comments On Capitalism & Charity
Scott Alexander responds to comments on his capitalism vs charity post, clarifying his argument and addressing various counterpoints and suggested capitalist charities.
37 min read 5,649 words
ACX
Does Capitalism Beat Charity?
Scott Alexander compares the marginal impact of capitalism vs. charity, finding that traditional charity often seems more effective despite capitalism's historical success.
16 min read 2,413 words
ACX
Apply For An ACX Grant (2024)
Scott Alexander announces the 2024 ACX Grants program, detailing its structure, funding, and new optional 'impact market' component for charitable and scientific projects.
14 min read 2,036 words
ACX
Contra DeBoer On Movement Shell Games
Scott Alexander defends effective altruism against Freddie deBoer's criticism, arguing for its distinctiveness, practical value, and positive marginal effects.
20 min read 3,071 words
ACX
In Continued Defense Of Effective Altruism
Scott Alexander defends effective altruism by highlighting its major accomplishments and arguing that its occasional missteps are outweighed by its positive impact on the world.
28 min read 4,266 words
ACX
Links For September 2023
A diverse collection of links and brief comments on recent developments in science, technology, politics, and society, ranging from climate change to AI developments to social experiments.
28 min read 4,250 words
ACX
Effective Altruism As A Tower Of Assumptions
Scott Alexander defends Effective Altruism by presenting it as a 'tower of assumptions,' arguing that critics often miss its core principles of systematic giving and maximizing impact.
9 min read 1,259 words
ACX
Impact Markets: The Annoying Details
Scott Alexander discusses the technical implementation details of impact markets for charity funding, exploring various options and challenges.
56 min read 8,585 words
ACX
So You Want To Run A Microgrants Program
Scott Alexander shares his experiences and challenges in running a microgrants program, offering insights and advice for others considering similar initiatives.
51 min read 7,889 words
ACX
Your Book Review: Down And Out In Paris And London
The review analyzes Orwell's 'Down and Out in Paris and London', praising its vivid depictions of poverty while noting some limitations in perspective.
90 min read 13,903 words
SSC
Coronalinks 4/10: Second Derivative
Scott Alexander provides updates on coronavirus trends, discusses various pandemic-related topics, and analyzes different countries' responses and policy proposals.
25 min read 3,781 words
SSC
Highlights From The Comments On Billionaire Philanthropy
Scott Alexander responds to comments on billionaire philanthropy, addressing criticisms while ultimately defending its net positive impact and arguing to protect the most effective charitable efforts.
53 min read 8,109 words
SSC
Against Against Billionaire Philanthropy
Scott Alexander argues against criticism of billionaire philanthropy, citing its efficiency, positive impact, and ability to support important causes that governments often neglect.
43 min read 6,551 words
SSC
Practically-A-Book Review: EA Hotel
Scott Alexander reviews the EA Hotel, a project offering free accommodation to effective altruists in Blackpool, England, discussing its potential benefits and challenges.
12 min read 1,710 words
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G.K. Chesterton On AI Risk
A fictional G.K. Chesterton essay defends AI risk concerns against criticisms, arguing that seemingly fantastical ideas often become reality and that contemplating the infinite leads to practical progress.
15 min read 2,183 words
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Beware Systemic Change
Scott Alexander argues that effective altruism should be wary of pursuing systemic change, as it risks wasting resources and alienating supporters.
26 min read 4,024 words
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A Series Of Unprincipled Exceptions
Scott discusses the challenge of incorporating animal welfare into effective altruism, proposing a balanced approach to expand moral circles while preserving sanity.
8 min read 1,151 words
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Nobody Is Perfect, Everything Is Commensurable
Scott Alexander argues that donating 10% of income to effective charities is a more impactful way to do good than political activism, and recommends joining Giving What We Can.
24 min read 3,585 words
SSC
Ozy vs. Scott on Charity Baskets
Ozy argues for diversifying charitable donations, while Scott counters that focusing on the single most efficient charity at any given time is more effective.
14 min read 2,153 words