An Oxford philosopher makes the case for âlongtermismââthat positively influencing the long-term future is a key moral priority of our time
The fate of the world is in our hands. Humanityâs written history spans only five thousand years. Our yet-unwritten future could last for millions moreâor it could end tomorrow. Astonishing numbers of people could lead lives of great happiness or unimaginable suffering, or never live at all, depending on what we choose to do today.
In What We Owe The Future, philosopher William MacAskill argues for longtermism, that idea that positively influencing the distant future is a key moral priority of our time. From this perspective, itâs not enough to reverse climate change or avert the next pandemic. We must ensure that civilization would rebound if it collapsed; counter the end of moral progress; and prepare for a planet where the smartest beings are digital, not human.
If we put humanityâs course to right, our grandchildrenâs grandchildren will thrive, knowing we did everything we could to give them a world full of justice, hope, and beauty.
