Against Longtermism

Abstract

Longtermism, which prioritizes actions that reduce existential risks to humanity in the very long run, is unconvincing. Although the extinction of humanity may be worth avoiding, it is unlikely that we live in a uniquely dangerous time or that we can reliably foresee and solve existential risks millions of years in the future. Moreover, caring much more about people near in time than far in the future is reasonable. Finally, emphasizing the distant future could distract from addressing more urgent and personal needs. – AI-generated abstract.