Clarifying existential risks and existential catastrophes

Abstract

Existential risks are considered by many to be among the most pressing issues of our time (see e.g. The Precipice). But what, precisely, do we mean by “existential risks”? To clarify this, this post will:

1. Quote prominent definitions of existential risk or existential catastrophe
2. Highlight three distinctions which are arguably obvious, but are also often overlooked: Existential risk vs existential catastrophe, Existential catastrophe vs extinction, Existential vs global catastrophic risks.
3. Discuss two nuances of the concept of an existential catastrophe, regarding: How much of our potential must be destroyed? Does the catastrophe have to be a specific “event”? Does it have to look “catastrophic”?