An Introduction to Nick Bostrom

By Nick Bostrom.

Abstract:
Technological revolutions are among the most important things that happen to humanity. This paper discusses some of the ethical and policy issues raised by anticipated technological revolutions, such as nanotechnology.

Read the full paper:
https://nickbostrom.com/revolutions.pdf

More episodes at:
https://radiobostrom.com

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Outline:

(01:22) 1. Introduction

(06:28) 2. ELSI research, and public concerns about science and technology

(16:29) 3. Unpredictability

(32:50) 4. Strategic considerations in S&T policy

(47:37) 5. Limiting the scope of our deliberations?

(01:04:59) 6. Expanding the scope of our deliberations?

By Nick Bostrom.

Abstract:
Recounts the Tale of a most vicious Dragon that ate thousands of people every day, and of the actions that the King, the People, and an assembly of Dragonologists took with respect thereto.

Read the full paper:
https://nickbostrom.com/fable/dragon

More episodes at:
https://radiobostrom.com/

By Nick Bostrom.

Abstract:
Existential risks are those that threaten the entire future of humanity. Many theories of value imply that even relatively small reductions in net existential risk have enormous expected value. Despite their importance, issues surrounding human-extinction risks and related hazards remain poorly understood. In this paper, I clarify the concept of existential risk and develop an improved classification scheme. I discuss the relation between existential risks and basic issues in axiology, and show how existential risk reduction (via the maxipok rule) can serve as a strongly action-guiding principle for utilitarian concerns. I also show how the notion of existential risk suggests a new way of thinking about the ideal of sustainability.

Read the full paper:
https://existential-risk.org/concept

More episodes at:
https://radiobostrom.com/

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Outline:

(00:15) Abstract

(01:10) Policy Implications

(02:43) The maxipok rule

(10:45) Qualitative risk categories

(17:00) Magnitude of expected loss in existential catastrophe

(26:48) Maxipok

(29:13) Classification of existential risk

(31:19) Human extinction

(34:18) Permanent stagnation

(42:00) Flawed realisation

(45:37) Subsequent ruination

(48:44) Capability and value

(54:16) Some other ethical perspectives

(01:01:57) Existential risk and normative uncertainty

(01:06:07) Keeping our options alive

(01:14:38) Outlook

(01:15:15) Barriers to thought and action

(01:24:36) Grounds for optimism

(01:31:40) Author Information

By Nick Bostrom and Matthew van der Merwe.

Abstract:
Sooner or later a technology capable of wiping out human civilisation might be invented. How far would we go to stop it?

Read the full paper:
https://aeon.co/essays/none-of-our-technologies-has-managed-to-destroy-humanity-yet

Links:
- The Vulnerable World Hypothesis (2019) (original academic paper)
- The Vulnerable World Hypothesis (2019) (narration by Radio Bostrom)

Notes:
This article is an adaption of Bostrom's academic paper "The Vulnerable World Hypothesis (2019)".

The article was first published in Aeon Magazine. The narration was provided by Curio. We are grateful to Aeon and Curio for granting us permission to re-use the audio. Curio are offering Radio Bostrom listeners a 25% discount on their annual subscription.

This series presents an introductory selection of Bostrom's work.

We have narrated many more of Nick Bostrom's papers. You can find them at radiobostrom.com.

This episode includes:

• Part 1. An abridged version of Nick Bostrom's biography
• Part 2. An abridged version of a text where he summarises the motivation and scope of his work.
• Part 3. Bostrom's answer to the 2008 Edge.org question: What have you changed you mind about?

Further reading:

• New Yorker profile of Nick Bostrom
• Aeon Magazine profile of Nick Bostrom

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Outline:

(01:43) Part 1. Biography

(03:14) Part 2. Bostrom in his own words

(07:05) Part 3. What have you changed your mind about?

(11:34) Outro