[Article] “Is it ever OK to take a harmful job in order to do more good? An in-depth analysis” by Benjamin Todd, William MacAskill

Why you should avoid harmful jobs, even if you’ll do more good. We look at how to analyse the situation and common options, like finance, law, and oil.

Narrated by AI.

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Outline:

(02:18) Negative impact is unavoidable

(05:04) Why to avoid careers with significant negative impact, even if you think you'll do more good

(06:10) 1. It might violate rights (non-consequentialist reasons)

(07:32) 2. It's probably not the highest-impact path due to hidden harms (consequentialist reasons)

(10:41) 3. You're probably wrong about the benefits

(11:54) 4. Moral uncertainty and cooperation

(13:54) 5. Better alternatives

(14:39) When might it be justified to take a job that has significant negative impact?

(16:28) First, clarify exactly what situation you're in

(17:42) Where's the line between permissible and impermissible negative impact? A step-by-step process for deciding.

(22:49) Case study: earning to give in finance

(23:41) How large are the benefits compared to the harms?

(28:12) Are the negative impacts permissible or not?

(30:51) Are there better alternatives?

(31:53) Conclusions on finance

(32:15) Which jobs might get ruled out?

(33:39) What actions are ruled out?

(34:32) Should you go into a harmful industry in order to make it better?

(35:24) Conclusion

(37:45) Learn more

(38:28) Read next

The original text contained 2 footnotes which were omitted from this narration.

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First published:
June 23rd, 2017

Last updated:
March 26th, 2023

Source:
https://80000hours.org/articles/harmful-career

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Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.

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