EA Deep Dive #2: EA as an idea machine
In 2022, writer Nadia Asparouhova called Effective Altruism the most developed example of an "idea machine": a network of thinkers, operators, and funders built around an ideology and designed to turn ideas into real-world outcomes. She admired the infrastructure EA had built. She also argued that philanthropy needs many more machines like it, because no single movement should own the question of how to do good.
📖 Before you come: Please read Idea Machines by Nadia Asparouhova. It takes about 15–20 minutes. We'll give a short summary, but then jump straight into discussion, so please read it beforehand.
Some questions we'll dig into:
Is "idea machine" a good description of EA? What does it capture, and what does it miss?
Asparouhova thinks EA is too morally opinionated to ever go mainstream, and that this is fine. Is she right?
Does EA treat doing good as a problem with one best answer, or is it more pluralistic than she gives it credit for?
Looking at EA in Zurich: which parts of the machine (ideology, community, agenda, funders, operators, scene builders) are strong here, and which are missing?
Who this is for: EA Deep Dives is a biweekly series of standalone discussions on the principles and moral questions underneath EA's cause areas. This session is aimed at people who have already engaged with EA a bit. If you're new to EA, the free online Introductory EA Program by the Centre for Effective Altruism is a great place to start. Members from cause-specific groups (ZAIS, A120, ZHBH, or Give & Gather) who want to dive deeper into the EA principles are welcome to join!
Registration includes a short application, and we'll need to confirm your spot.
📍 ETH Main Building, [exact room tbd]
🍿 Food/Drinks/Snacks provided