This is a great post. Further, some completed basic research in the humanities/social sciences could provide useful insights for longtermism without the need to complete any original research. For example, reading through some historical case studies and synthesizing potential takeaways for longtermism.  

Notably, research for longtermism can easily overlap with other cause areas, such as reducing existential risk or catastrophes. There’s low-hanging fruit here. 

I’m currently working (Summer 2021) with Effective Altruism for Christians on increasing research in theology/religion and EA, so I have a special interest in the first item on the list, “1. Study future-oriented beliefs in certain religions or groups”. Recommendations are welcome!

Hello! I’ve been around EA since 2019! I was trying to choose a thesis topic and stumbled across Effective Thesis, which led to 80,000 hours, which led to hanging out a little with the Beijing chapter… you get the picture. Things have escalated since then (in a good way, ha!) and now I’m making a formal account here. 

I just started as the Research Coordinator at EA for Christians, where I support community building and research around the intersection of Christian theology and EA. I’ll be starting my Master of Divinity in NYC this September. (MDiv’s are typical degrees for priests/pastors, seminary professors, etc.) If you are interested in EA and theology/religion/spirituality, happy to talk!

But I do other stuff besides religion. I was a Yenching Scholar at Peking University and focused on Law & Society, writing my master’s thesis on international data law. I’m focused on institutional decision-making, great power conflict, US-China relations, theology, and research. Yet, I’m eclectic. So, interested in almost everything. 

Looking forward to engaging in discussions!

Hello! Not new to EA, but deciding to make a formal account now! Thanks!