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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insights INSIGHT
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.
insights INSIGHT
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.
insights INSIGHT
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.
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A History of the Science and Ethics of Annihilation
Émile Torres
Émile Torres's "Human Extinction" provides a comprehensive historical analysis of humanity's understanding of annihilation, tracing its evolution from ancient cyclical views to the contemporary concept of complete and irreversible disappearance. The book explores the scientific and ethical dimensions of extinction, examining the potential risks posed by technological advancements and environmental degradation. It delves into the anxieties surrounding extinction among powerful individuals and the implications of their decisions. Torres critically analyzes long-termism and related ideologies, highlighting their potential for harm and their connection to historical eugenic movements. The work offers a nuanced perspective on the complex interplay between human actions and the future of our species.
Y the Last Man
Pia Guerra
Brian K. Vaughan
The series follows Yorick Brown and his monkey Ampersand as they navigate a world where all male mammals have died. Yorick's mother, a U.S. Representative, commissions Agent 355 to protect Yorick as they travel to meet Dr. Allison Mann, a geneticist working to discover why Yorick survived and how to save humanity. The story explores themes of survival, identity, and the future of humanity in a world without men.
What is an extinction event?
How have human beings considered extinction in the past? How is the contemporary understanding of human extinction different to the ancient world? And why is it that tech billionaires are so obsessed with it to the extent that they're making the decisions that are more likely to hasten its arrival?
Philosopher of extinction, Émile Torres, has dedicated their life to answering these questions. A former advocate of long-termism, Émile is now one of the most outspoken critics of the dangerous ideologies driving development in Silicon Valley, warning against a vision of utopia which will decimate the planet and upend democratic ideals. In this wide-ranging discussion which pulls much from Émile’s latest book, Human Extinction: A History of the Science and Ethics of Annihilation, we delve into the minds of people like Musk and Bezos through a historical lens, examining how it is that extinction anxiety is driving the most powerful to make dangerous decisions.
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