The Precipice: Existential Risk and the Future of Humanity

Toby Ord’s (b. 1979) position as an analytical philosopher and a Senior Research Associate at the Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford University serves as a foundation for his scrutiny of human civilization’s potential paths and existential dangers. In The Precipice: Existential Risk and the Future of Humanity, Ord surveys the implications of human progress and its long-term outcomes with a discerning perspective. His scholarly pursuits extend beyond theoretical contemplation; they are actively engaged with addressing some of the most pressing dilemmas of the current era: the direction of humanity’s future and the strategies to divert it from potential catastrophe. His expertise in evaluating technological prowess with respect to ethical considerations offers a distinctive perspective from which to discuss the challenges and prospects that lie ahead.

Ord is a pioneer of the Effective Altruism movement, which he co-founded. This movement is predicated on the notion that actions should be steered by their demonstrable impact rather than just the intent to do good. Effective Altruism contends that actions should always be evaluated through empirical scrutiny and logical deliberation; in this way, it is about maximizing how resources are used for the betterment of others, harmonizing with Ord’s push for a pragmatic and analytical approach to charitable efforts.