Effective Altruism

The movement is decentralized, with leadership emerging across various fields. Influential figures include: • Peter Singer – His work on utilitarian ethics sparked broader interest in effective doing. • William MacAskill – Co-founder of the movement and a leading voice advocating for strategic philanthropy. • Toby Ord – Co-founder of 80,000 Hours, focusing on long-term global challenges. • Nick Bostrom – A key academic emphasizing existential risks and future-oriented ethics. These individuals, among others, are pivotal in shaping the ideas and strategies foundational to effective altruism.

William MacAskill is a key figure in effective altruism. As a co-founder of the movement, he champions the idea that charitable actions should be guided by evidence, reason, and a clear focus on maximizing positive impact. His work promotes "strategic philanthropy," meaning that rather than giving based solely on instinct or tradition, donors should assess cause areas based on cost-effectiveness and overall benefit. MacAskill's contributions, including influential writings and initiatives, help shape a more systematic approach to doing good by encouraging individuals to direct their efforts where they can make the largest difference.