80,000 Hours Podcast

#136 – Will MacAskill on what we owe the future

7 snips
Aug 15, 2022
Join Will MacAskill, an Oxford philosopher and co-founder of the effective altruism movement, as he explores the importance of our ethical responsibilities towards future generations. He argues that longtermism—a focus on the far future—is vital for addressing existential risks like pandemics and AI. MacAskill dives into how our decisions today can have immense impacts on tomorrow's humanity, urging listeners to engage in long-term thinking about climate change, energy transition, and the moral implications of advanced technology.
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ANECDOTE

Introduction

  • Will MacAskill discusses his new book, What We Owe the Future, focusing on longtermism.
  • MacAskill, a philosophy professor and EA co-founder, explores humanity's future.
INSIGHT

Longtermism Discussion Overview

  • The discussion centers on various longtermist aspects.
  • Topics include influencing future generations, evaluating potential futures, and value persistence.
INSIGHT

Longtermism Defined

  • Longtermism prioritizes positively influencing the long-term future.
  • It emphasizes the vastness of the future and its moral significance.
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