Nick Bostrom is a Swedish philosopher and futurist known for his work on existential risks, [[Artificial Intelligence]], and the simulation hypothesis. He is a professor at the University of Oxford and the founding director of the Future of Humanity Institute (FHI), which focuses on understanding and addressing global challenges that could threaten humanity’s long-term future. Key Ideas 1. Existential Risk Bostrom is a pioneer in the study of existential risks—events that could cause the [[Extinction]] of humanity or irreversibly curtail its potential. He categorises such risks into: • Natural risks, like asteroid impacts or supervolcanic eruptions. • Anthropogenic risks, such as nuclear war, artificial intelligence (AI) misalignment, or engineered pandemics. He argues that humanity should prioritise mitigating these risks, as they pose unique threats to our continued survival and the flourishing of future generations. 2. The Simulation Hypothesis In his influential 2003 paper “Are You Living in a Computer Simulation?”, Bostrom proposed the idea that it is highly probable we are living in a computer simulation. His argument is based on three propositions, one of which he argues must be true: 1. Almost all civilisations at our level of technological development go extinct before becoming capable of running “ancestor simulations” (simulations of their evolutionary [[History]]). 2. Civilisations that reach this level of technological maturity are unlikely to run such simulations due to ethical, resource, or other constraints. 3. We are almost certainly living in a computer simulation. Bostrom concludes that if advanced civilisations create simulations, and these simulations vastly outnumber “real” worlds, the likelihood of us being in the “base reality” is incredibly small. This hypothesis raises philosophical questions about consciousness, reality, and the implications of living in a simulated world. 3. Superintelligence and AI Alignment Bostrom’s book Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies (2014) explores the challenges posed by artificial intelligence. He warns that once AI surpasses human intelligence (becoming a “superintelligence”), it could rapidly reshape the world, potentially in ways detrimental to humanity. Key concerns include: • Value alignment: Ensuring that AI’s goals align with human values. • [[Control]] problem: Preventing an AI from pursuing unintended or harmful outcomes. • Speed of development: The transition to superintelligence could occur faster than [[Society]] can adapt. Bostrom advocates for careful planning and international cooperation to ensure AI benefits humanity rather than posing an existential risk. 4. Transhumanism Bostrom is associated with transhumanism, a movement that advocates using technology to enhance human capabilities and overcome biological limitations. This includes: • Extending human lifespan (radical life extension). • Enhancing cognitive abilities. • Addressing suffering through biotechnology. He views technological progress as a way to unlock greater human potential but emphasises the need for caution to avoid unintended consequences. 5. Moral [[Philosophy]] and Longtermism Bostrom is deeply concerned with the ethical implications of decisions affecting the long-term future. He argues for a moral framework that prioritises actions benefiting future generations and preserving humanity’s potential. Influence Nick Bostrom’s work has had a profound impact on fields like AI ethics, [[Philosophy]], and futurism. His ideas have sparked debates about the [[Nature]] of reality, the risks of advanced technology, and humanity’s responsibility to shape the future wisely. `Concepts:` `Knowledge Base:`