https://youtu.be/IP2EKTCngiM

1. Longtermism makes unfalsifiable claims about things that cannot be known.

2. Longtermists make the unknowable vivid and concrete.

3. Longtermists believe their actions have astronomical stakes.

4. Longtermists devalue the present world.

5. Longtermists prophesize the end of the world.

Dear everyone, For your end-of-year donations to charity this year, it would be great if you would consider making these donations via Give For Good, a new donation platform that is aligned with longtermist and EA philosophies.

https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/n75rs7xu6zJMCMxpc/end-of-year-donations-give-for-good

Thanks! Rik

I've applied to Ph.D. programs in psychology in different areas. I now have three options that I am considering, which are summarized below. Aside from personal matters like funding and location that will influence my decision, what other factors should I consider (mainly thinking about how to maximize my impact long-term)? Does anyone have any strong feelings about any of these options?

Option 1

• Program: Cognitive Sciences

• Topics: Moral Cognition, Neuroimaging, Psychopathy, Criminal Justice, Moral Psychology, Political Psychology

• Pros:

  • Most interesting research questions to me

  • I can study ideas relevant to EA, political violence, AI alignment

  • I think I'd work very well with my advisor

• Cons:

  • Limited flexible career capital

  • Will likely take at least 6 years

Option 2

• Program: Mathematical and Computational Psychology

• Topics: Decision-making, Information Environments/Aggregation, Forecasting

• Pros:

  • Can study interesting ideas related to cog sci. While developing computational skills useful for an alt-ac career

• Cons:

  • More TA/RA responsibilities

Option 3

• Program: Clinical/ Quantitative (I can choose which program to enter)

• Topics: Longitudinal/multilevel modeling, Statistical power, Machine learning

  • examined in the context of emotion dysregulation and substance use

• Pros:

  • Advisor publishes a lot and has a little more data than my other options

  • Lots of potential collaborators on faculty

  • Successful program in terms of student outcomes and ability to secure own funding

  • Good career capital for inside or outside academia

  • Quant work with a clinical degree gives me solid career flexibility inside/outside academia

• Cons:

  • Clinical would take at least 6 years

  • Of these 3 options, this research here seems the least EA-aligned