Erik Hoel on Effective Altruism, Utilitarianism, and the Repugnant Conclusion

Re:Erik Hoel on Effective Altruism, Utilitarianism, and the ... by samus on Wednesday November 16, 2022 @08:30AM (#33622576)

Considering that malaria infestation has historically complicated making use of the land available to humans all over the world, we know that efforts towards managing and eradicating malaria improves the human condition. Resistance to malaria and other diseases was one of the reasons why humans were trafficked all over the world.

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Re:Erik Hoel on Effective Altruism, Utilitarianism, and the ... by throw_pm23 on Wednesday November 16, 2022 @08:40AM (#33622697)

I'll let historians sort that out, I care mostly for my immediate neighborhood and local effects.

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Re:Erik Hoel on Effective Altruism, Utilitarianism, and the ... by samus on Wednesday November 16, 2022 @10:32AM (#33624723)

Mostly caring about your immediate neighbourhood and local effects does not mean ignoring that other places and their history exists.

For Malaria, there is not even a debate that it historically was a very widespread disease with high impact in economy and also in warfare. It is estimated that 60000 US soldiers died to Malaria alone in WW II.

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Re:Erik Hoel on Effective Altruism, Utilitarianism, and the ... by throw_pm23 on Wednesday November 16, 2022 @03:29PM (#33630055)

Sure, and draining swamps caused floods and loss of biodiversity down the line.

I think people should be more modest and realistic, and not dream of solving every global problem. Not making things worse would already be a good start.

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