Reflecting on the Long Reflection

Abstract

The concept of the “Long Reflection,” a period during which humanity dedicates itself to determining ultimate values, has been proposed by effective altruists such as Will MacAskill. However, this article argues that several fundamental challenges render the Long Reflection untenable. The article highlights the difficulty of eliminating existential and suffering risks before making consequential decisions. It questions whether sustaining the Long Reflection for 10,000 years without detrimental effects on individuals or the environment is feasible. Furthermore, it raises concerns about the complex nature of moral philosophy, which may require a situated rather than vacuum-like environment. The article also doubts the existence of a singular, objectively best future that the Long Reflection aims to discover. Ultimately, the article suggests that the Long Reflection may be impossible to achieve and potentially pointless, raising questions about the concept’s value and practicality. – AI-generated abstract.