Special Episode: Engineering the Apocalypse
Making Sense with Sam Harris
The Perils of Synthetic Biology
This chapter examines the alarming advancements in synthetic biology, particularly the potential for smallpox resurrection and the implications of creating viruses such as horsepox. It highlights the risks posed by individuals and groups in harnessing biotechnologies for destructive purposes, comparing these threats to past incidents of violence. The discussion further delves into the psychological motivations behind violent actions, especially concerning the abstract nature of modern warfare and the increasing ease with which lone actors can access catastrophic technologies.
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