The Precipice
‘A book that seems made for the present moment’ New Yorker
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Published:18th Feb '21
Should be back in stock very soon
This book explores humanity's most significant existential threats and emphasizes the urgent need for a moral framework to secure our future, as discussed in The Precipice.
In The Precipice, Oxford moral philosopher Toby Ord examines the existential threats that humanity faces and the urgent need for a moral framework to navigate these challenges. He argues that we are living in a pivotal moment in human history, where the advancements of the twentieth century have equipped us with the means to destroy ourselves, yet we lack the ethical guidance to ensure our survival. Through a compelling narrative, Ord highlights the risks posed by climate change, nuclear war, engineered pandemics, and advanced artificial intelligence, urging readers to confront these issues head-on.
Ord's rigorous analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the various risk levels associated with each threat. He places our current situation within the broader context of human history, emphasizing that while the novel coronavirus may not pose a significant risk, future pandemics could be far more dangerous. The book challenges us to consider what actions we can take today to mitigate these risks and secure a safer future for generations to come.
The Precipice serves as a clarion call for a reorientation in our understanding of the world. By integrating insights from diverse fields such as physics, biology, and moral philosophy, Ord encourages a holistic approach to the challenges we face. This landmark work not only sheds light on the potential dangers ahead but also inspires hope for a more resilient and ethical future.
Toby Ord is today’s Carl Sagan. Clear and inspiring, this book leaves us hopeful for a flourishing human future -- Christine Peterson, co-founder of the Foresight Institute
A powerfully argued book that alerts us to what is perhaps the most important – and yet also most neglected – problem we will ever face -- Peter Singer, author of 'Animal Liberation' and 'The Life You Can Save'
The Precipice separates science from hype and will remain the definitive work on existential risk for a long time to come -- Max Tegmark, author of 'Life 3.0' and 'Our Mathematical Universe'
A fascinating and persuasive guide to the most important topic of all: how our species will survive the risks we pose to our continued existence -- Stuart Russell, author of 'Human Compatible' and 'Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach'
This book is a wake-up call to the existential threats of nuclear and biological weapons and the urgent need for action. A must-read that galvanises us to play a role in addressing these risks -- Angela Kane, former UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs
Humanity has never been more vulnerable – there’s now a one-in-six chance that civilisation won’t make it to the end of the century, argues a highly influential philosopher . . . Ord’s analysis of the science is exemplary . . . Thrillingly written * Sunday Times *
Many people have recently found that they want to read books offering the grandest perspectives possible on human existence, such as Sapiens . . . Toby Ord’s new book is a startling and rigorous contribution to this genre that deserves to be just as widely read * Evening Standard *
Splendid . . . The Precipice is a powerful book, written with a philosopher’s eye . . . Ord’s love for humanity and hope for its future is infectious * Spectator *
Urgent and vaguely prophetic . . . In a year in which our everyday lives were upended by the unexpected (or rather the expected yet neglected), The Precipice is a good way to put everything in perspective -- Books of the Year * WIRED *
The Precipice is a fascinating book, one that showcases both the knowledge of its author and his humanity * Axios *
A book that seems made for the present moment * New Yorker *
A story of the greatest risks to humanity’s future, from the climate crisis and nuclear war to pandemics and artificial intelligence -- Highlights for 2020 * Guardian *
ISBN: 9781526600233
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 330g
480 pages