There has been some work recently on the possible risks of space colonization. It's entirely possible that there might be modifications to the the human organism, either through natural processes or by incorporating technology. And once that happens, the situation may be very volatile within the anarchic realm of the solar system. Multiple factors are motivating these billionaires to pursue certain projects that they haven't really thoroughly thought about the potential unintended consequences and could ultimately put humanity in a much worse situation than if we had just stayed here on earth.
Paris Marx is joined by Émile P. Torres to discuss why longtermism isn’t just about long-term thinking, but provides a framework for Silicon Valley billionaires to justify ignoring the crises facing humanity so they can accumulate wealth and go after space colonization.
Émile P. Torres is a PhD candidate at Leibniz University Hannover and the author of the forthcoming book Human Extinction: A History of Thinking About the End of Humanity. Follow Phil on Twitter at @xriskology.
Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Follow the podcast (@techwontsaveus) and host Paris Marx (@parismarx) on Twitter, and support the show on Patreon.
Find out more about Harbinger Media Network at harbingermedianetwork.com.
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