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“The Fragility of Life Hypothesis and the Evolution of Cooperation” by KristianRonn


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This part 2 in a 3-part sequence summarizes my book (see part 1 here), The Darwinian Trap. The book aims to popularize the concept of multipolar traps and establish them as a broader cause area. If you find this series intriguing and want to spread the word and learn more:

  1. Share this post with others on X or other social media platforms. 
  2. Pre-order the book here.
  3. Sign up for my mailing list here before September 24 for a 20% chance to win a free hardcover copy of the book (it takes 5 seconds). 
  4. Contact me at [email protected] if you have any input or ideas. 


In Part 1, I introduced the concept of a Darwinian demon—selection pressures that drive agents to harm others for personal gain. I also argued that the game theory of our evolutionary fitness landscape, with its limited resources, often favors defection over cooperation within populations. [...]


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Outline:

(02:55) Major Evolutionary Transitions and Cooperation

(06:09) The Fragility of Life Hypothesis

(11:09) Exhibit A: Kamikaze mutants

(14:17) Exhibit C: Complex life in the universe is likely extremely rare

(16:20) Exhibit D: Life is constantly on the precipice

(18:06) Only Humanity Can Save Life from Itself

The original text contained 5 images which were described by AI.

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First published:

September 4th, 2024

Source:

https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/kBG6bNckhZeamQJsQ/the-fragility-of-life-hypothesis-and-the-evolution-of

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Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.

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