Positive Sociology

I read an interesting piece this morning.  The author, Scott Gilmore , argues against the ALS fanaticism.  He writes that we should think of 3 questions when deciding where to donate: 1) Where is the greatest need? 2) Where will my dollars have the greatest influence? 3) What is the most urgent problem? On first blush, this all sounds super robotic and utilitarian.  Humans don't work this way!  We are moved by culture and emotions.  And these things matter...don't they? Usually I'd be critical of pieces like the one that Gilmore wrote.  It's the same kind of logic that policymakers use when justifying cutting arts programs so that school districts can continue funding math and science.  How can we quantify the benefit that children receive from learning how to read and play music?  Anyways, I digress. But, as I thought longer and harder about the piece, I began to see his point. In a resource-scarce world, we ought to be more calculating and utilitarian abou