How much of a longtermist are you personally? Does your view on the repugnant conclusion affect your view on longtermism?
Do you think far future people matter less than people who currently exist? Is the difference because of distance in time or uncertainty?
If you think that far future people matter, do you think x-risk should be the top priority? If near-term reasons already justify spending resources on x-risk, as Scott argues, does longtermism change any actual decisions?
Do you agree with Karnofsky that we live in an unusual time? Do we have unusual influence on, or obligations towards, the future?
Do you buy Thorstad's argument that if x-risk is high, reducing it is worth less? How do you feel about the time of perils hypothesis?
Do you agree with Masrani's uncertainty-based argument? Should we let small probability events with enormous payoffs dominate our decisions in general?
What are your your estimates of the various types of x-risk? How optimistic are you about the future?
Location
Meet at Holland Village MRT Exit B (underground part) at 3 pm. We will wait for everyone to gather for 5-10 mins, and then head over to my nearby apartment. If you've been here before, feel free to come directly to the apartment (though you may need to wait to be let in).
Some snacks will be provided. There are many restaurants and a hawker centre nearby, if you want to buy your own food.
It's too late for Petrov Day, but we're talking about longtermism and x-risk this week.
Readings
Discussion
Location
Meet at Holland Village MRT Exit B (underground part) at 3 pm. We will wait for everyone to gather for 5-10 mins, and then head over to my nearby apartment. If you've been here before, feel free to come directly to the apartment (though you may need to wait to be let in).
Some snacks will be provided. There are many restaurants and a hawker centre nearby, if you want to buy your own food.
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