Decius comments on A Mathematical Explanation of Why Charity Donations Shouldn't Be Diversified - Less Wrong

2 Post author: Vladimir_Nesov 20 September 2012 11:03AM

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Comment author: Decius 22 September 2012 08:26:14PM 1 point [-]

Fair cop- I was mistaken about the definition of U.

If there is no function U(a,b) which maps to my preferences across the region which I have control, then the entire position of the original post is void.

Comment author: benelliott 22 September 2012 09:51:26PM 1 point [-]

Yes, I do not think we actually have a disagreement. The rule that you shouldn't diversify only applies if your aim is to help people. It obviously doesn't apply for all possible aims, as it is possible to imagine an agent with a terminal value for diversified charitable donations.

Comment author: Decius 23 September 2012 02:44:40AM 2 points [-]

More specifically, it only applies if your goal is to help people, and your donation is not enough to noticeably change the marginal returns on investment.

Comment author: benelliott 23 September 2012 10:09:40AM *  1 point [-]

Okay, yes, thats true

Billionaires feel free to ignore the OP

Comment author: Decius 23 September 2012 08:11:07PM 0 points [-]

Along with people who donate to small causes.

Comment author: benelliott 23 September 2012 09:19:43PM 0 points [-]

Although, it still applies to them to the extent that you should not donate to a small cause if there is a big cause that offers better returns.