Effective Altruism and Wokeism represent distinct approaches to social change. Effective Altruism prioritizes evidence and measurable outcomes, while Wokeism emphasizes social justice and the dismantling of systemic inequalities. Both have strengths and weaknesses, and their effectiveness is subject to ongoing debate.
| Attribute | Effective Altruism | Wokeism |
|---|---|---|
| Core Principles | Prioritization, impartial altruism, open truthseeking, collaborative spirit, scope sensitivity, recognizing trade-offs, consequentialism. | Centers on social justice and equality, emphasizing the recognition and dismantling of systemic discrimination. Focuses on issues like racial inequality, gender discrimination, LGBTQ+ rights, and economic inequality. Key tenets include: Heightened awareness of social inequalities and injustices, challenging systemic inequalities and oppressive institutions, promoting empathy, inclusivity, and diverse perspectives, and intersectionality. |
| Social Impact Measurement | Uses evidence and reason to determine the most effective ways to help others through empirical research and detailed analysis. | Impact is reflected in policy changes, shifts in public opinion, and increased awareness of social justice issues. |
| Focus of Action | Global health and development, animal welfare, reducing social and economic inequality, mitigating long-term risks to humanity. | Advocates for challenging systemic racism, promoting inclusive language, condemning 'white privilege', supporting 'decolonial' thinking, and taking action against social injustice. |
| Criticisms and Controversies | Overly focused on easily quantifiable suffering, potentially ignoring the value of relationships, culture, and the environment. Overwhelmingly represented by individuals who are white, young, academic, able-bodied, and male. Focuses on hypothetical future problems, shifting resources away from present-day suffering. Association of some of its prominent funders with unethical practices. | Stifling open discourse, prioritizing identity politics, contributing to an 'us versus them' mentality, 'cancel culture', overemphasis on identity, potential infringement on free speech, promoting unrealistic demands, and fostering a victim mentality. |
| Historical Development | Developed in the 2000s, coined in 2011. Key figures include Peter Singer, William MacAskill, and Toby Ord. Organizations like Giving What We Can and 80,000 Hours contributed to its formation. | Originated in African American Vernacular English (AAVE), gained political connotations in the 1970s, popularized in the 2010s with the Black Lives Matter movement, and expanded to include broader social inequalities. |
| Community and Movement | Diverse community committed to using reason and evidence to help others effectively. Includes various groups working on different causes. | Activism and resistance, mobilization of supporters, and use of social media platforms to connect and give voice to marginalized groups. |
| Influence on Policy | Becoming increasingly rooted in politics, with some members funding election campaigns and running for office. Some organizations are working to influence policy on a governmental level. | Contribution to policy changes, influence in raising awareness about gender inequality, and influence on foreign policy. |
| Economic Implications | Mobilized significant financial resources, with substantial donations directed towards effective charities. Some worry that focusing on individual actions distracts from addressing structural causes of suffering. | Potential for 'woke-washing' and concerns that wokeism can divert attention from workers' economic concerns. |
| Ethical Framework | Grounded in the idea of maximizing benefits and prioritizing causes to do the most good. Aims for impartiality and equal consideration of interests. | Emphasis on social justice, inclusion, and progressive values. Focus on dismantling oppressive institutions and challenging systemic inequality. |
| Practical Applications | Choosing impactful careers, donating to effective charities, starting new organizations, or building communities. Resources like 80,000 Hours and GiveWell offer guidance. | Promoting diversity and inclusion, challenging systemic inequalities, and supporting marginalized communities. |
| Intellectual Foundations | Influenced by philosophers like Peter Singer, Toby Ord, and William MacAskill. Draws inspiration from evidence-based medicine and policy, applied utilitarianism, and research into cognitive biases. | Draws upon theoretical frameworks like postmodernism and critical race theory. Influence from Karl Marx and the Frankfurt School. |
| Relationship to Social Justice | Critics argue that effective altruism's focus on individual actions neglects systemic injustices and structural inequalities. Others contend that effective altruism is open to systemic change if it demonstrably leads to better outcomes. | Strives for greater representation and inclusivity, focuses on social justice issues, and recognizes intersectionality. |
| Price | Not available | Not available |
| Ratings | Not available | Not available |