Peter Singer Says Effective Altruism Is ‘Alive And Well’ After SBF, FTX: Big Think
Australian philosopher Peter Singer says that the effective altruism (EA) movement is “alive and well” after FTX founder and EA supporter Sam Bankman-Fried’s downfall, a new piece from Big Think reveals.
According to the article by Tim Brinkhof released Thursday , Singer – who is widely regarded as one of the ‘founding fathers’ of the social and philosophical movement – says that despite Bankman-Fried’s endorsement of the lifestyle, it remains as prevalent as ever.
“Sure, it damaged the reputation of the movement,” Singer said. “But the movement is much bigger than Sam Bankman-Fried, or any one person, no matter how wealthy.”
Bankman-Fried was once touted as a figurehead of effective altruism, which promotes doing the most good for the largest number of people possible, despite living in a $35 million penthouse during his tenure as CEO of the now defunct crypto exchange.
“There are many other people who donate to EA without committing fraud or other crimes, some very wealthy, others not wealthy at all,” Singer added. “I think we’re getting over it, and seeing that the movement is alive and well and continuing its path to do more good.”
The recently convicted Bankman-Fried readily brought up seemingly charitable decisions he made guided by EA as a defense throughout his month-long fraud trial last October, including supporting his super PAC Guarding Against Pandemics (notably founded by his brother Gabe Bankman-Fried).
The FTX founder is currently serving a 25-year sentence for misusing $8 billion worth of customer funds at the digital asset exchange and has been ordered to pay $11 billion in forfeitures.
“I believe Sam Bankman-Fried was entirely genuine in wanting to earn a lot of money and then give away nearly
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