14min chapter

The Gray Area with Sean Illing cover image

A brief history of extinction panics

The Gray Area with Sean Illing

CHAPTER

Extinction Panic: Historical Perspectives and Modern Anxieties

This chapter delves into extinction panic, linking historical contexts and societal fears from World War I to contemporary anxieties surrounding AI and environmental collapse. It highlights the cyclical nature of these concerns, exploring the role of science fiction and the impact of Darwinian theories on societal views of extinction. The discussion also critiques how elite narratives shape the discourse on extinction threats, contrasting them with the broader experiences of those most affected by these existential risks.

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