Wrapping up

You’ve started the project of effective altruism: figuring out how to do the most good, and then doing it.

You’ve also practised your first skill: reasoning transparency. This might have felt awkward. Most of us aren’t used to writing “I’m not sure” or “this is based on a vague memory.” But that honesty is what makes the skill useful. When you know the foundations of a belief are shaky, you can decide whether to shore them up or revise the belief.

We’ll keep building on this. Next week, you’ll learn to read and critique charity evaluations — tracing the logic of cost-effectiveness models and identifying where the evidence is strong or weak. You’ll need everything you practised today: showing your working, indicating your confidence, and being honest about your assumptions. Reasoning transparency isn’t just a technique — it’s a habit that compounds.

Before our discussion

Between now and our discussion, notice moments when you form opinions about how to help others — a news story, a fundraising appeal, a conversation. Ask yourself: what’s my reasoning here? How confident am I? What would change my mind?

Come prepared to share one moment you noticed, even if you didn’t analyse it deeply.