50 pages • 1 hour read
Toby OrdThe Precipice: Existential Risk and the Future of Humanity
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2020A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Essay Topics
How does Toby Ord’s background in philosophy shape his exploration of existential risks in The Precipice? Analyze how his philosophical inquiries underpin the book’s structure and thematic development.
Examine the role of technological advancements as both a threat and a savior in The Precipice. How does Ord balance the narrative of progress with the cautionary tales of technological risks?
The book introduces the concept of the “long reflection.” Discuss its importance and how future generations might benefit from this period of deliberation and decision-making.
Various existential risks are described throughout the book. Choose one risk and discuss its potential impact on humanity’s future. What solutions or preventive measures does the book suggest?
Compare and contrast The Precipice and MacAskill’s What We Owe the Future. How do these two texts frame humanity’s current and potential crises? What solutions do they propose? What is the core difference between Ord and MacAskill’s approach to longtermism?
How does The Precipice reflect on the responsibility of current generations to protect the future of humanity? Discuss the ethical implications that the text raises and your perspective on this duty.
Find a real-world example of international cooperation that successfully averted a global threat or solved an international problem. What made the effort successful, and how might similar efforts avert the threats described in The Precipice?
Ord’s writing intertwines scientific data with ethical considerations. Discuss how this combination influences the persuasive power of his arguments regarding existential risk management.
How does The Precipice balance the need for institutional accountability with individual decision-making? According to the book, what can individuals do to contribute to humanity’s long-term future?
Reflect on the social and political implications of Ord’s advocacy for a more foresighted approach to governance and policymaking. How might his ideas transform current political priorities and public policy? Provide specific examples based on current events.
