Civilization re-emerging after a catastrophic collapse

Abstract

This presentation discusses the possibility of recovering from a global social collapse and uses cultural evolution to analyze the prospects of humanity’s future. The presentation begins with an exploration of the differences between existential risk and global catastrophic risk, arguing that these risks are not necessarily distinct and that some events considered catastrophic could potentially lead to existential outcomes. Then, the speaker analyzes the concept of social collapse, discussing historical examples and the likelihood of global-scale collapse. The speaker then turns to the theoretical debate within evolutionary biology regarding the contingency of life forms and the influence of extinction events on evolutionary pathways. Drawing parallels between biological and cultural evolution, the presentation explores the robustness and fragility of various cultural traits, such as agriculture and industrialization, arguing that the latter is more susceptible to disruption. Finally, the speaker concludes that, given the potential for divergence in technological development, a civilization emerging in the future after a global social collapse would likely differ significantly from our own. – AI-generated abstract.