Risk, non-identity, and extinction

Kowalczyk, Kacper and Venkatesh, Nikhil ORCID: 0000-0002-6984-3001 (2024) Risk, non-identity, and extinction. Monist, 107 (2). 146 - 156. ISSN 0026-9662

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Abstract

This paper examines a recent argument in favour of strong precautionary action - possibly including working to hasten human extinction - on the basis of a decision-theoretic view that accommodates the risk-attitudes of all affected while giving more weight to the more risk-averse attitudes. First, we dispute the need to take into account other people's attitudes towards risk at all. Second, we argue that a version of the non-identity problem undermines the case for doing so in the context of future people. Lastly, we suggest that we should not work to hasten human extinction, even if significant risk aversion is warranted.

Item Type:	Article
Official URL:	https://academic.oup.com/monist
Additional Information:	© 2024 The Author(s)
Divisions:	Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General)
Date Deposited:	28 Mar 2024 11:54
Last Modified:	15 Apr 2024 07:54
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/122523

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