Effective Altruism's Critique of Art and Its Philosophical Contradictions

Effective altruism, a consequentialist philosophy advocating rational calculation to maximize global good, has gained public attention partly due to William MacAskill's 2022 book 'What We Owe the Future'. The movement, which includes the concept of longtermism emphasizing future generations' interests, has faced scrutiny over MacAskill's associations with Elon Musk and Sam Bankman-Fried. Bankman-Fried, a former donor linked to MacAskill's Centre For Effective Altruism, attempted involvement in Musk's Twitter takeover, with MacAskill facilitating their connection. Effective altruists, often aligned with big tech, show little interest in art, frequently arguing against spending on it due to its unquantifiable nature. The philosophy draws intellectual influence from moral philosopher Derek Parfit, who highlighted paradoxes in acting for future people. Critics argue that art, unlike quantifiable interventions like mosquito nets, offers enduring value to future generations, as seen in ancient sites like Cueva de las Manos in Argentina and Chauvet Cave in France. The movement's recent exposure includes profiles in The Atlantic and The New Yorker, alongside controversies linking it to Musk's longtermism and Bankman-Fried's collapsed cryptocurrency empire. Art's resistance to quantification challenges effective altruism's core tenets, emphasizing uncertainty in how actions are received over time.