BY GAURAV RASTOGI

The philosophy of Effective Altruism has been in the news lately, thanks to the developments in Crypto (SBF) and OpenAI. I decided to look a little deeper into the philosophy and compare it with traditional Hindu thinking.

The allure of Effective Altruism (EA) is undeniable. It presents itself as the savior of the modern world, promising to solve complex problems through data-driven solutions and rational decision-making. But beneath the veneer of objectivity lies a dangerous flaw: a reliance on cold logic devoid of the essential warmth of humanity.

EA’s claim to moral superiority rests on its promise of maximizing positive outcomes through meticulous calculations. This utilitarian approach, however, ignores the fundamental human need for meaning and purpose. Without the fire of conviction and the guiding light of duty, EA’s meticulously planned actions risk becoming mere algorithms devoid of the emotional depth that truly inspires and motivates.

In human terms, this is a quasi-religious system based on logic, reasoning, and data. Lots of data. It reminded me of my old boss, whose dictum was, “In God we Trust; everyone Else Must Bring Data.” It seems In Data We Trust might be the new law.

When I was in grad school, I took a course on Management for Excellence. The professor described a system of excellence that involved doing great work and doing good. I asked him the same question, “What if someone earns a lot of money and donates it to worthy causes? Is that not also excellence?” He answered that excellence isn’t simply in mathematics. It’s a way of being.

Dharma, the ancient Hindu philosophy, starkly contrasts EA’s sterile world of data and spreadsheets. It offers a framework for moral action rooted in personal responsibility, spiritual guidance, and a deep understanding of one’s place in the universe. Fulfilling one’s Dharma is not about maximizing measurable impact but about aligning oneself with the divine order and contributing to a greater good that transcends individual calculations.

The Bhagavad Gita, a cornerstone of Hindu philosophy, beautifully illustrates this contrast. When Arjuna, the warrior, hesitates on the battlefield, overwhelmed by the prospect of bloodshed, Krishna, the divine embodiment, guides him.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/watcheronthehill/2023/12/dharma_ea/