Human Extinction: A History of the Science and Ethics of Annihilation

The book explores the idea of human extinction, tracing its origins from the ancient Presocratics to contemporary work on existential risks. It argues that the risk of human extinction this century may be higher than at any point in our history, and provides a new theoretical foundation for thinking about the ethics of our extinction. It also offers insights into how human choices and attitudes about extinction have evolved in Western history and provides a starting point for understanding our future.

Format: Hardback
Length: 530 pages
Publication date: 14 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume explores the intricate origins and evolution of the concept of human extinction, spanning from the ancient Presocratics to the cutting-edge research on existential risks in contemporary times. A consensus among esteemed intellectuals suggests that the risk of human extinction in this century stands at its highest point in our 300,000-year history as a species. This book offers valuable insights into the central questions shaping this ongoing debate, including the historical emergence of concerns about human extinction and the shifting perspectives over time. It establishes a novel theoretical framework for examining the ethics of our potential extinction, arguing that, under most circumstances, it would be highly undesirable, although its ultimate consequences may be, on balance, positive. Throughout the book, graphical representations, tables, and images vividly illustrate the historical development of human choices and attitudes toward extinction in Western societies. In addition to its accessibility to undergraduates, Human Extinction contains groundbreaking research that will appeal to established academic philosophers and historians alike. By delving into humanity's past, this book serves as a valuable foundation for understanding our future prospects and the complex interplay between our choices, beliefs, and the enduring legacy of our species.

Weight: 1160g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032159065