ForeCast Should we aim for flourishing over mere survival? (with Will MacAskill)
Aug 4, 2025
Will MacAskill, a philosopher and co-founder of 80,000 Hours, discusses his research series, ‘Better Futures.’ He delves into the importance of transitioning from mere survival to thriving in the face of existential risks. Topics include the interplay of human flourishing and ethical governance, the pursuit of an ideal future, and the complexities surrounding moral catastrophes. MacAskill emphasizes the need for collective action and philosophical reflection as we navigate the uncertain dynamics of AI and global challenges, shaping a more hopeful tomorrow.
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Future Value Model Explained
- The future's value depends on survival probability and flourishing quality if we survive.
- Flourishing might matter far more than survival in overall future value achievement.
No Easy Utopia Insight
- A future that seems utopian may still fail spectacularly due to overlooked moral catastrophes.
- Even a broadly good society may lose most possible value by default without deliberate optimization.
Fussiness of Moral Views
- Moral views valuing the future differ in fussiness about achievable value given resources.
- Total utilitarianism is 'fussy' needing vast scale and precision to achieve near-best futures.
