A more technical treatment of impossibility theorems in population ethics, by Teruji Thomas
Paper on whether population reduction will help with the climate crisis, by Hilary Greaves (I recommend skimming rather than close reading)
Discussion
Which approach to population ethics do you personally endorse the most? Are you willing to bite the corresponding bullet?
Does the anti-natalist position convince you at all?
Do you think we should reduce population because of climate change specifically? What about other existential crises?
If you favour total utilitarianism, do you think population growth should be a cause area? Should it be a cause area for private EAs or the government?
Is there a case for population growth as a cause area from other views on population ethics?
How does this affect your own decision to have children?
Location
Meet at Holland Village MRT Exit B (above ground part) at 3 pm. We will wait for everyone to gather for 15 minutes, and then head over to my nearby apartment. If you’ve been here before, feel free to come directly to the apartment (though you may need to wait to be let in).
Some snacks will be provided. There are many restaurants and a hawker centre nearby, if you want to buy your own food.
Population ethics and procreation
This week we’re going to think about population ethics and population growth or anti-growth as a cause area.
Readings
Survey on five approaches to population ethics
Summary of the anti-natalist position on population
Why some people concerned about the climate are anti-natalist
EA perspective on population growth as a cause area
Optional readings
A more technical treatment of impossibility theorems in population ethics, by Teruji Thomas
Paper on whether population reduction will help with the climate crisis, by Hilary Greaves (I recommend skimming rather than close reading)
Discussion
Which approach to population ethics do you personally endorse the most? Are you willing to bite the corresponding bullet?
Does the anti-natalist position convince you at all?
Do you think we should reduce population because of climate change specifically? What about other existential crises?
If you favour total utilitarianism, do you think population growth should be a cause area? Should it be a cause area for private EAs or the government?
Is there a case for population growth as a cause area from other views on population ethics?
How does this affect your own decision to have children?
Location
Meet at Holland Village MRT Exit B (above ground part) at 3 pm. We will wait for everyone to gather for 15 minutes, and then head over to my nearby apartment. If you’ve been here before, feel free to come directly to the apartment (though you may need to wait to be let in).
Some snacks will be provided. There are many restaurants and a hawker centre nearby, if you want to buy your own food.