Doing Good Better by William MacAskill

Last updated: Aug 18, 2023

Summary of Doing Good Better by William MacAskill

Doing Good Better by William MacAskill is a book that explores the concept of effective altruism and provides practical advice on how individuals can make a significant positive impact on the world.

The book begins by challenging the traditional approach to doing good, which often relies on good intentions rather than evidence and analysis. MacAskill argues that in order to truly make a difference, individuals need to focus on the most pressing global problems and use evidence-based strategies to address them.

MacAskill introduces the concept of "expected value," which involves assessing the potential impact of different actions and choosing the one with the highest expected value. He emphasizes the importance of cause prioritization, suggesting that individuals should focus on areas where they can have the greatest impact, such as global poverty, animal welfare, and existential risks.

The author also explores the idea of "earning to give," which involves pursuing high-earning careers in order to donate a significant portion of one's income to effective charities. MacAskill argues that this approach can be more impactful than directly working in the nonprofit sector, as it allows individuals to leverage their skills and resources to make a larger difference.

Furthermore, MacAskill discusses the importance of evaluating the effectiveness of charities and interventions. He introduces the concept of "impact assessment" and provides practical tips on how to assess the cost-effectiveness and impact of different interventions. He also highlights the potential pitfalls of certain charitable activities, such as voluntourism, and encourages readers to critically evaluate the outcomes of their actions.

In addition, the book addresses common objections and misconceptions about effective altruism, such as the idea that individuals should only focus on their own communities or that small acts of kindness are sufficient. MacAskill argues that by taking a global perspective and focusing on the most effective interventions, individuals can have a much larger impact on the world.

Overall, Doing Good Better provides a comprehensive guide to effective altruism, offering practical advice and thought-provoking insights on how individuals can maximize their positive impact. By challenging conventional wisdom and emphasizing evidence-based strategies, MacAskill encourages readers to think critically about their actions and make a real difference in the world.

1. Effective Altruism: Making a Difference with Limited Resources

In "Doing Good Better," William MacAskill introduces the concept of effective altruism, which is about using our resources to make the greatest positive impact on the world. He argues that it's not enough to simply have good intentions; we need to carefully consider where our efforts and resources will have the most significant and lasting effects. By applying evidence and reason, we can identify the most effective ways to do good.

MacAskill emphasizes the importance of cause prioritization, where we compare different causes and interventions to determine which ones are most effective. He encourages readers to think critically about the potential impact of their actions and to focus on areas where they can make the most difference. This approach allows individuals to maximize their positive impact, even with limited resources.

2. The Power of Counterfactual Reasoning

Counterfactual reasoning is a powerful tool discussed in the book that helps us evaluate the impact of our actions by considering what would have happened if we had chosen a different course of action. MacAskill explains that we often underestimate the potential positive outcomes of our actions because we fail to consider the counterfactual scenario.

By using counterfactual reasoning, we can assess the effectiveness of different interventions and make more informed decisions. For example, if we donate to a charity that provides bed nets to prevent malaria, we can estimate the number of lives saved by comparing the actual outcome to the counterfactual scenario where we didn't donate. This approach allows us to better understand the true impact of our actions and make more effective choices in the future.

3. The Importance of Cause Neutrality

MacAskill emphasizes the importance of cause neutrality, which means being open to supporting a wide range of causes based on their effectiveness rather than personal preferences or emotional attachments. He argues that we should focus on the outcomes and evidence rather than being driven solely by our emotions or preconceived notions.

By adopting a cause-neutral approach, we can ensure that our efforts are directed towards the most effective interventions, even if they may not align with our initial inclinations. This mindset allows us to have a greater impact and avoid wasting resources on less effective approaches.

4. The Ethics of Earning to Give

Earning to give is a concept discussed in the book, which involves pursuing high-earning careers with the intention of donating a significant portion of the income to effective charities. MacAskill argues that this approach can be a highly impactful way to do good, especially for individuals who have the potential to earn large sums of money.

By earning to give, individuals can leverage their skills and abilities to generate substantial resources that can be directed towards effective interventions. This approach allows them to have a significant positive impact on the world, even if they may not be directly involved in on-the-ground charitable work.

5. The Importance of Long-Term Thinking

MacAskill emphasizes the need for long-term thinking when it comes to doing good. He argues that we should consider the long-term consequences and sustainability of our actions, rather than focusing solely on short-term outcomes.

By taking a long-term perspective, we can identify interventions that have lasting effects and address the root causes of problems, rather than just treating the symptoms. This approach allows us to create sustainable change and maximize our impact over time.

6. The Role of Research and Evidence

MacAskill highlights the importance of research and evidence in determining the effectiveness of different interventions. He encourages readers to critically evaluate the evidence and consider the track record of organizations and interventions before making decisions.

By relying on rigorous research and evidence, we can avoid ineffective or even harmful interventions and focus on approaches that have been proven to work. This approach ensures that our efforts are well-informed and have the greatest potential for positive impact.

7. The Potential of Systemic Change

MacAskill discusses the potential for systemic change to have a significant positive impact on the world. He argues that by addressing the root causes of problems and advocating for structural changes, we can create lasting and widespread change.

While individual actions are important, MacAskill emphasizes the need to also consider collective action and systemic change. By working towards systemic change, we can address the underlying issues that perpetuate problems and create a more sustainable and equitable world.

8. The Importance of Personal Growth and Learning

MacAskill highlights the importance of personal growth and continuous learning in the pursuit of doing good. He encourages readers to constantly reassess their beliefs and actions, and to be open to new ideas and evidence.

By embracing personal growth and learning, we can refine our understanding of effective altruism and identify new opportunities for positive impact. This mindset allows us to adapt and improve our efforts over time, ensuring that we are always striving to do the most good possible.