Module 2 / Lesson 4.3
Ethics of Existential Risk
This lesson covers the ethical challenges created by existential risk. You will examine our obligations to future generations, the significance of humanity in the cosmos, and how to make responsible choices when the future is deeply uncertain. All assigned readings are from The Precipice by Toby Ord.
Learning guide
- Learning: Read the assigned section of The Precipice (pages 43 to 57) and watch the short video on Parfit's Dilemma.
- Read Ord pages 43 to 57, specifically:
-
Looking to the Past (pages 49 to 52): The idea that we have obligations to earlier generations who worked to build the world we inherited.
-
Cosmic Significance (pages 53 to 56): The ethical importance of humanity if intelligent life is rare or if we are the only civilization capable of shaping the future.
-
Ethical Uncertainty (pages 56 to 57): How to act responsibly when one is unsure about what is ethically correct or what the long-term consequences may be.
-
- Watch the first 5 MINUTES AND 15 SECONDS ONLY of the video below on Parfit's Dilemma.
- Read Ord pages 43 to 57, specifically:
- Reflection: Reflect on ethical duties to both past and future generations, and consider how to make decisions when the future is uncertain.
Parfit's Dilemma
- Learning Task 2 (Video on Parfit's Dilemma from Stefan Schubert) WATCH BEGINNING TO 05:15 ONLY, NOT TO THE END!: