William MacAskill

William MacAskill is a moral philosopher, author, and researcher whose work explores how to use evidence and reason to improve the world and protect future generations. He is a senior research fellow at Forethought, where he focuses on AGI preparedness: understanding the consequences of rapid AI-driven change and how society can prepare. His interests include space governance, AI rights, the values given to AI, and the shape of a good post-AGI society.

MacAskill previously served as an associate professor at the University of Oxford from 2015 to 2024. His books include Doing Good Better, What We Owe The Future, Moral Uncertainty, and An Introduction to Utilitarianism. He helped launch the effective altruism movement and cofounded Giving What We Can, 80,000 Hours, the Centre for Effective Altruism, the Global Priorities Institute at Oxford, and Forethought. Through his books, research, writing, talks, and media appearances, MacAskill shares ideas on effective giving, global priorities, longtermism, and humanity’s future. His website also provides information for speaking engagements and press inquiries.