Re:Ask HN: Where can I find a software job that helps society?
by scottalpert on Tuesday November 12, 2013 @03:46PM
(#6720902)
Yes, been there, done that. I'm all in favor. But now, I want some of those warm fuzzies....
Re:Ask HN: Where can I find a software job that helps society?
by Technophobe on Tuesday November 12, 2013 @03:59PM
(#6721023)
So I take it you're aware of the concept of buying good feelings, and true positive impact separately? http://lesswrong.com/lw/6z/purchase_fuzzies_and_utilons_sepa...
Re:Ask HN: Where can I find a software job that helps society?
by eli_gottlieb on Tuesday November 12, 2013 @06:57PM
(#6722335)
Ah, and here I was looking for an example of LessWrong being neoliberal in outlook!
You can't presume that the exploited-away surplus-value or negative externalities from your high-paying-donate-to-charity job actually exceed the good you're doing by donating to charity with the proceeds of your work. Warm fuzzies are, at the very least, a reasonable guide to doing work that's relatively sure to be relatively purer good.
Now, before you down vote me consider they have been instrumental in making knowledge accessible that generally just couldn't be found. They're likely to be on the leading of eliminating most traffic deaths with their self driving cars, and they're providing free Internet to the world with Loon.
Big and successful companies across the industry are doing great things and having amazing social impacts.