Join us for a discussion of the book What We Owe the Future, by William MacAskill, one of the founders of the effective altruism movement.
Description from https://whatweowethefuture.com/:
"Humanity’s written history spans only 5,000 years. Our yet-unwritten future could last for millions more — or it could end tomorrow. Astonishing numbers of people could lead lives of great happiness or unimaginable suffering, or never live at all, depending on what we choose to do today.
In What We Owe The Future, philosopher William MacAskill argues for ‘longtermism’: the idea that positively influencing the distant future is a key moral priority of our time. From this perspective, it’s not enough to reverse climate change or avert the next pandemic. We must ensure that civilisation would rebound if it collapsed; and prepare for a planet where the smartest beings are likely to be digital, not human.
If we make wise choices today, our grandchildren’s grandchildren will have a better chance to thrive, and will know we did everything we could to give them a world full of justice, hope, and beauty."
Condition for attendance:
*Attendees are expected to have read the book before the meetup.
Nature of our discussions/debates:
• Opinions expressed are encouraged to be backed by facts wherever possible;
• Members should gracefully take criticism of their opinion and not take the criticism personally;
• Members should show willingness to provide more facts and explanations in support of their opinion if this is requested by any other participant;
• Organizer acts as a moderator as well as a participant in the discussion.
Note: For those that are particularly keen to discuss this book, there is a separate book club at McGill to discuss it. The dates are as follows:
#1 – What We Owe the Future, Intro. + chs. 1-3 Nov. 10, 22 – 3:30-5:00pm (EST)
#2 – What We Owe the Future, chs. 4 + 5 Nov. 17, 22 – 3:30-5:00pm (EST)
#3 – What We Owe the Future, chs. 6 + 7 Nov. 24, 22 – 3:30-5:00pm (EST)
If you are interested in the book club, please send me a message and I will direct you to organizer Keven Bisson.