The Precipice: Existential Risk and the Future of Humanity

The Precipice aligns with the doctrines of Effective Altruism, a philosophical stance advocating for the strategic use of evidence and reason to maximize society’s collective benefit. Toby Ord, a key proponent of this movement, embeds its ethos within his narrative, challenging readers with the significant duty that humanity bears toward the untapped promise of its future.

The bedrock of this philosophy is a utilitarian ethic advocating for actions that promote the maximum good for the largest number. The Precipice’s examination of existential threats is propelled by such calculations, extending consideration beyond the current population to the countless generations that might follow if humanity overcomes its present challenges. The book posits the long-term prospects of human existence as crucial, suggesting that the mitigation of existential threats, which pose a danger to this extended future, call for urgent attention. This forward-looking perspective, or longtermism, is emblematic of effective altruism’s defining vision.

The methodical approach Ord employs in his work mirrors the systematic nature of Effective Altruism. He employs statistical analysis across various disciplines—such as statistical theory, economic science, and international strategy—to deliver an all-encompassing perspective on humanity’s perils.