The End of the World - The Science and Ethics of Human Extinction

Nuclear war, holes in the ozone layer, disease, genetic engineering, asteroids and supernovas - any of these may bring human history to an end. But are we in imminent danger of extinction? John Leslie assesses the risks facing the human race and concludes: yes, we probably are. Leslie pays particular attention to the 'doomsday argument'. This argument, arising from the undeniable fact that we are a very young species, substantially increases the likelihood of our extinction.

List of contents

Introduction, 1. War, Pollution, Disease, 2. Other Dangers, 3. Judging the Risks, 4. Why Prolong Human History? 5. The Domesday Argument, 6. Testing the Argument, 7. Prisoner's Dilemma and Nuclear Revenge, Bibliography, Index of Names, Index of Concepts.

About the author

Leslie, John

Summary

Are we in imminent danger of extinction? Yes, we probably are, argues John Leslie in his chilling account of the dangers facing the human race as we approach the second millenium.

Product details

• Authors: John Leslie
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 28.03.1996
• EAN: 9780415140430
• ISBN: 978-0-415-14043-0
• No. of pages: 328
• Weight: 560 g
• Subjects: Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Philosophy: general, reference works; Social sciences, law, business > Sociology > General, dictionaries; SOCIAL SCIENCE / Popular Culture, PHILOSOPHY / General, PHILOSOPHY / Ethics & Moral Philosophy, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Anthropology / Cultural & Social, Ethics & moral philosophy, Ethics and moral philosophy, Popular beliefs and controversial knowledge