#1041
Mentioned in 63 episodes
The Precipice
Existential Risk and the Future of Humanity
Book • 2020
In this book, Toby Ord argues that humanity is in a uniquely dangerous period, which he terms 'the Precipice,' beginning with the first atomic bomb test in 1945.
Ord examines various existential risks, including natural and anthropogenic threats, and estimates that there is a one in six chance of humanity suffering an existential catastrophe within the next 100 years.
He advocates for a major reorientation in how we see the world and our role in it, emphasizing the need for collective action to minimize these risks and ensure a safe future for humanity.
The book integrates insights from multiple disciplines, including physics, biology, earth science, computer science, history, anthropology, statistics, international relations, and moral philosophy.
Ord examines various existential risks, including natural and anthropogenic threats, and estimates that there is a one in six chance of humanity suffering an existential catastrophe within the next 100 years.
He advocates for a major reorientation in how we see the world and our role in it, emphasizing the need for collective action to minimize these risks and ensure a safe future for humanity.
The book integrates insights from multiple disciplines, including physics, biology, earth science, computer science, history, anthropology, statistics, international relations, and moral philosophy.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 63 episodes
Mentioned by William MacAskill as an excellent book that complements his own, detailing catastrophic risks.
140 snips
Moral Philosopher Will MacAskill on What We Owe The Future
Mentioned by 
Chris Williamson as one of his five best books ever read, discussing existential risks.
Chris Williamson as one of his five best books ever read, discussing existential risks.
122 snips
#598 - Dr Jonathan Anomaly - The Wild Ethics Of Human Genetic Enhancement
Mentioned by 
Peter Singer as the author of 'The Precipice', discussing existential risks and long-termism.
Peter Singer as the author of 'The Precipice', discussing existential risks and long-termism.
88 snips
Good Robot #3: Let’s fix everything
Mentioned by 
David Runciman in relation to Asquith's love affair and Churchill's ambition during WWI.
David Runciman in relation to Asquith's love affair and Churchill's ambition during WWI.
67 snips
PPF Live Special: Churchill – The Politician With Nine Lives w/Robert Saunders
Mentioned by Toby Ord as an introduction to existential risk.
66 snips
#100 – Having a successful career with depression, anxiety and imposter syndrome
Mentioned by Chris Williamson as a book offering an analogy of humanity walking a precarious cliff edge.
Chris Williamson as a book offering an analogy of humanity walking a precarious cliff edge.
60 snips
#803 - Nick Bostrom - Are We Headed For AI Utopia Or Disaster?
