I think the focus on happiness is definitely important, but treating disease and alleviating abject poverty are extremely effective ways to reduce misery, so I'm not sure we need to be redirecting focus at this point. That said, the point about the potential large impacts of funding trials for new mental health medications, and lobbying all countries around the world to address mental health more is a good idea that is actionable.
This is an excellent talk that makes an honest attempt to define what would most improve human happiness. The focus on effective mental health treatments is very convincing. I thought the talk was a bit simplistic when discussing the limitations of poverty reduction, as it did not distinguish between severe poverty (lack of food and shelter) versus poverty as defined by lower income than others. Also, his graphs show that reducing unemployment would have a major effect (independent of poverty reduction), which he does not address. However, the author makes no grand claims and sets out a clear program for measuring the effects on happiness. Well argued!
I'm not sure if the effect of reduced mortality rates caused by a reduction in poverty or overall lower female fertility rates are considered when concluding that it is better to focus on mental health. I understand that many points were skipped over for brevity so I should look further into the explanation.
The last slide, which I assume is sources, is not shown close-up. i.e. it can't be read. Could this please be fixed so we can look up references? Thanks.
Also watch Will MacAskill's opening talk of EAG London 2017: ua-cam.com/video/1OpMwMMYrfg/v-deo.html.
I think the focus on happiness is definitely important, but treating disease and alleviating abject poverty are extremely effective ways to reduce misery, so I'm not sure we need to be redirecting focus at this point. That said, the point about the potential large impacts of funding trials for new mental health medications, and lobbying all countries around the world to address mental health more is a good idea that is actionable.
This is an excellent talk that makes an honest attempt to define what would most improve human happiness. The focus on effective mental health treatments is very convincing. I thought the talk was a bit simplistic when discussing the limitations of poverty reduction, as it did not distinguish between severe poverty (lack of food and shelter) versus poverty as defined by lower income than others. Also, his graphs show that reducing unemployment would have a major effect (independent of poverty reduction), which he does not address. However, the author makes no grand claims and sets out a clear program for measuring the effects on happiness. Well argued!
I'm not sure if the effect of reduced mortality rates caused by a reduction in poverty or overall lower female fertility rates are considered when concluding that it is better to focus on mental health. I understand that many points were skipped over for brevity so I should look further into the explanation.
The last slide, which I assume is sources, is not shown close-up. i.e. it can't be read. Could this please be fixed so we can look up references? Thanks.
Here's a link to the presentation: bit.ly/2meaVIg
Happiness in the world is achieved by not saving a meat eater if he is in trouble.
Nice hair