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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.
The End of the World is a sobering assessment of the many disasters that scientists have predicted and speculated on as leading to apocalypse. In the first comprehensive survey, potential catastrophes - ranging from deadly diseases to high-energy physics experiments - are explored to help us understand the risks.
One of the greatest threats facing humankind, however, is the insurmountable fact that we are a relatively young species, a risk which is at the heart of the 'Doomsday Argument'. This argument, if correct, makes the dangers we face more serious than we could have ever imagined. This more than anything makes the arrogance and ignorance of politicians, and indeed philosophers, so disturbing as they continue to ignore the manifest dangers facing future generations.
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.
Report
'Well written and enjoyably frightening. Top people ought to read it. It may change the way they think and act.' - Michael Thompson-Noel, Financial Times
'This is an important and excellent book; a brief history of the end of our time. To paraphrase: don't die in ignorance.' - Patrick Neate, The Face
'A startling work that is sure to rile and beguile professional philosophers and lay readers alike.' - Times Literary Supplement
'An originality and boldness of thought that makes Leslie's work stand out from much other work being done today.' - Canadian Journal of Philosophy
'Tightly argued and well written book.' - Network
