Month: December 2021

263: Is cash the best way to help the poor? (Michael Faye)

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The idea of giving poor people cash, no strings attached, is “very unappealing” for most donors, admits economist Michael Faye — but it’s still one of the best ways to help the poor. Michael and Julia discuss the philosophy behind his organization (GiveDirectly), the evidence we have so far about cash transfers as an anti-poverty … Read more

262: Humanity on the precipice (Toby Ord)

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Humanity could thrive for millions of years — unless our future is cut short by an existential catastrophe. Oxford philosopher Toby Ord explains the possible existential risks we face, including climate change, pandemics, and artificial intelligence. Toby and Julia discuss what led him to take existential risk more seriously, which risks he considers underrated vs. … Read more