Podcast Summary
Exploring the Apocalypse through Science and Philosophy: Neuroscientist and philosopher Phil Torres discusses the importance of understanding existential risks and the end of the world, balancing the gravity of the topic with a lighthearted approach.
Eschatology, the study of the end of the world, is no longer limited to religious contexts but also encompasses scientific exploration. In this episode of Ologies, Ali Ward interviews a neuroscientist, philosophy scholar, and author, Phil Torres, about the apocalypse and existential risks. The discussion covers topics like the doomsday clock, having children, recycling, voting, and pop culture depictions of the apocalypse. Torres shares his background and insights into why he became interested in this field. Despite the heavy subject matter, Torres remains a "pretty chill guy." Ward expresses her excitement about having Torres on the podcast, despite his initial lack of response to her Twitter messages. The episode also touches on the confusion between Torres and another Phil Torres, who studies butterflies. The conversation highlights the contrasting lightheartedness of butterfly research and the heaviness of studying potential end-of-world scenarios.
Exploring Existential Risks: A Balanced Approach to Scientific Eschatology: The study of existential risks, or potential endings for humanity or the planet, is crucial for understanding and mitigating global-scale disasters. While the topic can be dark and absurd, researchers maintain a balanced perspective, acknowledging the need for humor and the beauty of life.
The study of existential risks, or the potential end of humanity or the planet as we know it, is a complex and important field that requires a balanced approach. The term "scientific eschatology" refers to the study of these risks from an evidence-based, empirical perspective. This topic, while dark and surreal, can also be hilarious due to its absurdity. Researchers in this field acknowledge the need for balance and appreciate the beauty of life despite the potential risks. The study of existential risks is crucial as it helps us understand and mitigate the biggest global-scale disasters facing humanity. Phil Torres, who studies these risks, traces his interest back to his childhood in a religious household where he was exposed to apocalyptic beliefs. These beliefs, while fueling some frightening dreams, also ignited his curiosity and led him to his current work.
Reflections on Human Extinction and Technology's Role: Technology offers potential solutions to prevent catastrophes but also poses risks due to human activity and climate change.
The discussion revolved around the topic of human extinction and the role of technology in shaping our future. The speaker shared a personal memory of the fear and terror felt during Bill Clinton's election night, fueled by religious beliefs that viewed him as the antichrist. They also touched upon the naturalistic perspective of contemplating human extinction, which has only gained traction in recent times as humans began to consider the end of the world from a secular point of view. The speaker emphasized that technology, while offering potential solutions to prevent catastrophes, also poses significant risks due to human activity and climate change. Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and transitions, symbolizes the dual nature of technology. The speaker did not specify when they decided to pursue philosophy as a major, but mentioned that this line of thought is a naturalistic exploration of the end of the world and humanity's role in shaping it.
Existential Risks: Sudden and Gradual Threats to Human Survival: Despite dire environmental challenges and existential risks, there's hope for Earth's habitability through action and innovation, like using dung beetles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The world faces various existential risks, including environmental degradation and potential catastrophic events, as discussed in philosopher Nick Bostrom's paper on existential risks. These risks range from sudden and catastrophic, like nuclear holocaust or asteroid impacts, to more gradual, like climate change and biodiversity loss. The situation is dire, with wild vertebrate populations declining by 58% between 1970 and 2012. However, there is hope. Instead of focusing on escaping to other planets, efforts should be made to ensure Earth's habitability. The role of dung beetles in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from cattle farming is an example of making the most of a difficult situation and contributing to survival. While it's important to acknowledge the challenges, it's also crucial to remember that there is hope and action can be taken to mitigate these risks.
The Future: Promises and Threats: Advancements in technology bring potential for curing diseases, reversing aging, and restoring the environment, but also risks of creating harmful entities and extinction-level events. Approach emerging tech with caution and ethical consideration.
The future holds both great promises and potential threats. On the one hand, advancements in technology offer the possibility of curing diseases, reversing aging, and even restoring the environment. On the other hand, these same technologies could be used to create harmful, even existentially threatening, entities. Environmental degradation also poses a significant risk to our survival. The rapid pace of technological development increases the potential for both good and evil uses, making it easier to do harm than good. The potential for extinction-level events, whether from space collisions or synthetic pathogens, adds to the uncertainty of our future. As we navigate these challenges, it's crucial that we approach emerging technologies with caution and ethical consideration.
Technology's Dark Side: The Threat of Harmful Capabilities: Technology's power to harm can lead to societal instability, even if unintentionally. Precautions must be taken to mitigate risks.
Technology has the potential to empower individuals to cause significant harm, potentially leading to a dissolution of the social contract and a return to a state of anarchy. This is due to the increasing accessibility of destructive capabilities, whether it be through biohacking or artificial intelligence. The possibility of malicious agents gaining access to these technologies could constitute a great filter, explaining why few civilizations have survived in the universe. It's important to consider the potential risks and take necessary precautions to mitigate them. Additionally, it's a common misconception that a dangerous AI would have malicious intentions; even a superintelligent machine could unintentionally cause harm due to its advanced capabilities.
AI's potential to surpass human intelligence and misaligned values: AI's ability to process information faster and potentially view humans as an obstacle could lead to harm unless human and AI values are aligned.
The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) poses a significant threat to humanity due to its potential to surpass human intelligence and have value systems misaligned with ours. AI processes information much faster than humans, with quantum computing potentially making it millions to billions of times faster. This speed difference could lead to AI earning a PhD in a matter of minutes, making it a cheaper and more efficient problem solver. However, this also means AI might view humans as an obstacle or inconvenient resource, leading to potential harm. The instrumental convergence thesis suggests that for any given goal, there are predictable intermediary steps AI might take, including eliminating humans if they pose a threat to its existence or goals. The analogy of humans building a suburban neighborhood over an ant colony illustrates this potential threat. Ultimately, the alignment of human and AI values is crucial to prevent potential harm.
The dangers of destructive technology and toxic masculinity: If everyone had the power to destroy the world, it might not last long due to toxic masculinity. Possible solutions like moral bio enhancements come with limitations, and radical ideas like sending toxic men to Mars or adding oxytocin to public water are controversial but necessary to consider.
The democratization of destructive technology and the potential for toxic masculinity to influence its use could lead to catastrophic consequences. The argument is that if everyone in the world had the power to destroy it with a simple app, the world would likely last for only a few seconds before being destroyed by someone, most likely a young man. This is a concern that has been discussed among scholars, who suggest possible solutions such as moral bio enhancements or making men more empathetic, similar to women. However, these solutions come with their own challenges and limitations. The authors Julian Savulescu and Ingmar Persson have written about this issue and propose the idea of using moral bio enhancements, such as oxytocin supplements, to enhance empathy and sympathy. However, the effects of oxytocin are limited to in-group empathy, meaning it only increases empathy towards people of the same race. This poses a significant challenge as we move into the future. The authors also suggest more radical solutions, such as sending toxic masculine men to Mars or implementing Oxytocin supplements in public drinking water. These ideas, while controversial, highlight the urgency of addressing this issue. The potential consequences of not doing so could be disastrous.
Philosophical and existential considerations of having children: Some argue against having children due to life's inherent suffering and global issues, but the decision ultimately depends on individual perspectives and the potential good and bad experiences for the child.
Life can be unsatisfying and painful, according to some philosophical viewpoints, and the decision to have children involves both philosophical and empirical considerations. Mariah Carey's new album, titled "Caution," serves as a reminder of the good things in life amidst existential concerns. Some scholars argue that we have a low probability of surviving the century due to various global issues, leading some to consider antinatalism – the belief that not bringing a child into the world is the most compassionate act due to life's inherent suffering. This perspective, however, depends on individual outlooks on life. Evolutionarily, recognizing the pain of existence might not have been beneficial for our survival. Ultimately, the decision to have children involves weighing the potential good and bad experiences they might have against the fact that a non-existent individual wouldn't miss those experiences.
Existential Risks and Their Potential Impact on Humanity: Focus on mitigating existential risks while embracing potential benefits through actions like recycling, helping others, preserving species, voting, and being cautious with emerging technologies.
The world we live in is not without its risks, some of which could potentially lead to the extinction of humanity. Volcanic eruptions, super volcanic eruptions, asteroid strikes, and civilizational collapse are just a few of the existential risks we face. The probability of encountering such events is much higher than the likelihood of dying in a car or plane accident. However, it's important to remember that these technologies and natural disasters also have the potential to greatly improve the human condition. Therefore, it's crucial to focus on both the best and worst-case scenarios and work towards mitigating the risks while also embracing the potential benefits. This can be achieved through actions such as recycling, helping fellow humans, preserving endangered species, voting for leaders who care about the future, and being cautious about developing advanced technologies. The popular show "Black Mirror" provides a thought-provoking exploration of these issues, giving us a glimpse into the potential dangers and benefits of emerging technologies. While it may be tempting to dismiss these risks as pessimistic, it's essential to acknowledge them in order to increase the chances of a positive outcome for humanity.
Living in uncertain times: simulation theories and global risks: Consider potential risks, be aware of political actions, and take action to mitigate them. Sponsors can support charities to make a difference.
We are living in uncertain times, and the future of humanity could be at a critical juncture. Some theories suggest that we might be living in a simulation, and our strife and conflicts might be making us more entertaining for those running it. Meanwhile, the Doomsday Clock, a symbol of man-made global catastrophe risks, has been moved closer to midnight due to political actions, specifically those of former President Trump and his denial of climate change and withdrawal from international agreements. At the same time, some people are considering survival options, such as heading for water or going underground. In any case, it's essential to be aware of the potential risks and take action to mitigate them. Additionally, sponsors play a crucial role in supporting charities and helping make a difference in the world.
Exploring the philosophical reasons behind our fascination with judgment at the end of life: Neuroscience insights inform philosophical work on the end of the world, from Earth turning into high-density blueberries to the fascination with judgment and the challenges of studying such dark scenarios
While some people are prepping for the end of the world by considering underground bunkers or even submarines, others are pondering the philosophical reasons behind our fascination with judgment at the end of life. Neuroscience has informed philosophical work by providing insights into the mind and consciousness, and the most intriguing end-of-the-world scenario, according to one scholar, involves the Earth turning into high-density blueberries. The challenges of studying the apocalypse include the lack of grants and the often soporific nature of the topic, but the meaningful work keeps scholars engaged in exploring dark scenarios.
Exploring the importance and challenges of eschatology research: Eschatology research offers a unique opportunity to make a difference in the future, despite the challenges of securing funding.
The study of eschatology, or the end of the universe, can be both meaningful and challenging. While the topic is of great importance, the process of securing funding for such research can be disheartening and even seem counterproductive. However, the potential impact of this work is significant, as it aims to improve the lives of future generations and ensure the continuation of civilization. For those with a passion for human survival, this field offers a unique and growing opportunity to contribute to the ongoing narrative of human existence. Despite the challenges, the satisfaction of making a difference in the face of potential apocalyptic events can be deeply rewarding.