So far, we considered two arguments for the Time of Perils Hypothesis: an appeal to space settlement and an existential risk Kuznets curve. In this post, I look at a third argument, which appeals to wisdom.| Reflective altruism
Parts 1-3 of this series suggested that the best way to reconcile Existential Risk Pessimism with the Astronomical Value Thesis is through the Time of Perils Hypothesis. But should we believe the Time of Perils Hypothesis? One argument that is often made for the Time of Perils Hypothesis appeals to space settlement. Let's look more carefully at that argument.| Reflective altruism
In Part 2 of this series, we looked at failed ways out of the tension between Existential Risk Pessimism and the Astronomical Value Thesis. Now let's introduce a hypothesis that might resolve the tension.| Reflective altruism
In Part 1 of this series, we saw how the Pessimistic view that existential risk is high might come into conflict with the Astronomical Value Thesis that it's very important to mitigate existential risk. It turns out that this conflict is robust to many ways of challenging the initial argument.| Reflective altruism
Suppose that humanity faces very high levels of existential risk. Surely that means we should do more to mitigate existential risk, right? Surprisingly, the opposite is true.| Reflective altruism
Existential risk pessimism and the time of perils (Part 9: Objections and replies)| Reflective altruism
Updated: December 2024 (September 2023 version)| GiveWell
Seven women connected to effective altruism tell TIME they experienced harassment and worse within the community| TIME