In expectation inno barring from probability theory, the best thing we could possibly do as individuals and as a society is to focus on the far future. Since global poverty is not an accidental risk, it really shouldn't be prioritized. Same with basically every threat that is not exestential. Yes, in the short term it's going to be really painful, but in the grand scheme of things, what really matters is that we colonize space,. And in doing so, we maximize value.
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.
Also mentioned in this episode:
Support the show