The Consequentialism FAQ

His comprehensive, FAQ-format introduction to consequentialism/utilitarianism (raikoth.net) - morality must 'live in the world' and weight others, building to preference utilitarianism, with rules/rights as heuristics and a battery of objections answered. Carried by vivid devices: the Heartstone parable, the 'dormitive principle' and fire/phlogiston metaphors for hollow 'rightness,' the trolley/fat-man cases, the candy-utility example, and opt-out organ donation as low-hanging fruit. Draws on the LW metaethics sequence; for a generation it became a go-to accessible on-ramp to consequentialism and the EA mindset.

Quality 80 · Excellent. Excellent (low): exceptionally clear, comprehensive, persuasive exposition that became a widely-linked reference and EA on-ramp - below the top because it popularizes existing philosophy rather than advancing new ideas. ~80.

Claude’s paradigm shift 48 · Moderate. Exposition of established consequentialism/utilitarianism (Bentham/Mill/Singer + LW metaethics); novelty is pedagogical packaging, not new ideas. ~48.

Real-world impact 4 · Moderate. Became a widely-linked reference and Effective Altruism on-ramp for a generation — an exceptionally clear introduction that drew people into utilitarian/EA thinking (a movement with real giving and career consequences). Notable real-world relevance via that funnel role, though it popularizes existing philosophy and acts by shaping individuals' views rather than material change — mid RWI.