Planet: Critical Is the End Nigh? | Émile Torres
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May 22, 2025 Émile Torres, a philosopher of extinction and author of 'Human Extinction: A History of the Science and Ethics of Annihilation', dives deep into existential risks and the obsessions of today's tech billionaires. He explores contrasting historical and contemporary views on extinction, while critiquing the elitism in Silicon Valley that prioritizes survival over democratic ideals. Torres discusses the perils of artificial superintelligence, the moral complexities of long-termism, and highlights the urgent need for a proactive approach to our dire global crises.
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Understanding the World Crisis
- The world crisis is a "polycrisis" involving climate change, AI, pandemics, and political decline.
- These multiple factors create a uniquely dire moment in human history.
History of Human Extinction Concepts
- Ancient views saw human extinction cyclically, with humanity reemerging after disappearance.
- Modern concept of permanent human extinction only developed in the 19th century, marked by definitive termination.
Billionaires' Unique Extinction Anxiety
- Billionaires have "apex anxieties" focused on extinction as only that fully threatens them.
- Catastrophes like climate change devastate poor but spare the wealthy; only extinction affects all equally.
