ETHICS & POLICY
Astronomical Waste: The Opportunity Cost of Delayed Technological Development Suns are illuminating and heating empty rooms, unused energy is being flushed down black holes, and our great common endowment of negentropy is being irreversibly degraded into entropy on a cosmic scale. These are resources that an advanced civilization could have used to create value-structures, such as sentient beings living worthwhile lives... [Utilitas, Vol. 15, No. 3 (2003): 308-314] [translation: Russian] [html] [pdf]
Human Enhancement Original essays by various prominent moral philosophers on the ethics of human enhancement. [Eds. Nick Bostrom & Julian Savulescu (Oxford University Press, 2009)].
Enhancement Ethics: The State of the Debate The introductory chapter from the book (w/ Julian Savulescu): 1-22 [pdf]
TRANSHUMANISM
Transhumanist Values Wonderful ways of being may be located in the "posthuman realm", but we can't reach them. If we enhance ourselves using technology, however, we can go out there and realize these values. This paper sketches a transhumanist axiology. [Ethical Issues for the 21st Century, ed. Frederick Adams, Philosophical Documentation Center Press, 2003; reprinted in Review of Contemporary Philosophy, Vol. 4, May (2005)] [translations: Polish, Portugese] [html] [pdf]
RISK & THE FUTURE
Global Catastrophic Risks Twenty-six leading experts look at the gravest risks facing humanity in the 21st century, including natural catastrophes, nuclear war, terrorism, global warming, biological weapons, totalitarianism, advanced nanotechnology, general artificial intelligence, and social collapse. The book also addresses over-arching issuespolicy responses and methods for predicting and managing catastrophes. Foreword by Lord Martin Rees. [Eds. Nick Bostrom & Milan Cirkovic (Oxford University Press, 2008)]. Introduction chapter free here [pdf]
TECHNOLOGY ISSUES
THE NEW BOOK
"I highly recommend this book."Bill Gates
"terribly important ... groundbreaking" "extraordinary sagacity and clarity, enabling him to combine his wide-ranging knowledge over an impressively broad spectrum of disciplinesengineering, natural sciences, medicine, social sciences and philosophyinto a comprehensible whole" "If this book gets the reception that it deserves, it may turn out the most important alarm bell since Rachel Carson's Silent Springfrom 1962, or ever."Olle Haggstrom, Professor of Mathematical Statistics
"Nick Bostrom makes a persuasive case that the future impact of AI is perhaps the most important issue the human race has ever faced. ... It marks the beginning of a new era."Stuart Russell, Professor of Computer Science, University of California, Berkley
"Those disposed to dismiss an 'AI takeover' as science fiction may think again after reading this original and well-argued book." Martin Rees, Past President, Royal Society
"Worth reading.... We need to be super careful with AI. Potentially more dangerous than nukes"Elon Musk
"There is no doubting the force of [Bostrom's] arguments ... the problem is a research challenge worthy of the next generation's best mathematical talent. Human civilisation is at stake." Financial Times
"This superb analysis by one of the world's clearest thinkers tackles one of humanity's greatest challenges: if future superhuman artificial intelligence becomes the biggest event in human history, then how can we ensure that it doesn't become the last?" Professor Max Tegmark, MIT
"a damn hard read" The Telegraph
ANTHROPICS & PROBABILITY
Cars In the Other Lane Really Do Go Faster When driving on the motorway, have you ever wondered about (and cursed!) the fact that cars in the other lane seem to be getting ahead faster than you? One might be tempted to account for this by invoking Murphy's Law ("If anything can go wrong, it will", discovered by Edward A. Murphy, Jr, in 1949). But there is an alternative explanation, based on observational selection effects... [PLUS, No. 17 (2001)]
PHILOSOPHY OF MIND
DECISION THEORY
BIO
Bostrom has a background in physics, computational neuroscience, and mathematical logic as well as philosophy. He is the author of some 200 publications, including Anthropic Bias (Routledge, 2002), Global Catastrophic Risks (ed., OUP, 2008), Human Enhancement (ed., OUP, 2009), and the academic book Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies (OUP, 2014), which became a New York Times bestseller. He is best known for his work in five areas: (i) existential risk; (ii) the simulation argument; (iii) anthropics (developing the first mathematically explicit theory of observation selection effects); (iv) impacts of future technology, especially machine intelligence; and (v) implications of consequentialism for global strategy.
He is recipient of a Eugene R. Gannon Award (one person selected annually worldwide from the fields of philosophy, mathematics, the arts and other humanities, and the natural sciences). He has been listed on Foreign Policy's Top 100 Global Thinkers list twice; and he was included on Prospect magazines World Thinkers list, the youngest person in the top 15 from all fields and the highest-ranked analytic philosopher. His writings have been translated into 24 languages. There have been more than 100 translations and reprints of his works.
BACKGROUND
I was born in Helsingborg, Sweden, and grew up by the seashore. I was bored in school. At age fifteen or sixteen I had an intellectual awakening, and feeling that I had wasted the first one and a half decades of my life, I resolved to focus on what was important. Since I did not know what was important, and I did not know how to find out, I decided to start by trying to place myself in a better position to find out. So I began a project of intellectual self-development, which I pursued with great intensity for the next one and a half decades.
As an undergraduate, I studied many subjects in parallel, and I gather that my performance set a national record. I was once expelled for studying too much, after the head of Ume University psychology department discovered that I was concurrently following several other full-time programs of study (physics, philosophy, and mathematical logic), which he believed to be psychologically impossible.
For my postgraduate work, I went to London, where I studied physics and neuroscience at King's College, and obtained a PhD from the London School of Economics. For a while I did a little bit stand-up comedy on the vibrant London pub and theatre circuit.
During those years, I co-founded, with David Pearce, the World Transhumanist Association, a nonprofit grassroots organization. Later, I was involved in founding the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies, a nonprofit virtual think tank. The objective was to stimulate wider discussion about the implications of future technologies, in particular technologies that might lead to human enhancement. (These organizations have since developed on their own trajectories, and it is very much not the case that I agree with everything said by those who flock under the transhumanist flag.)
Since 2006, I've been the founding director of the Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford University. This unique multidisciplinary research aims to enable a select set of intellects to apply careful thinking to big-picture question for humanity and global priorities. The Institute belongs to the Faculty of Philosophy and the Oxford Martin School. Since 2015, I also direct the Strategic Artificial Intelligence Research Center.
I am in a very fortunate position. I have no teaching duties. I am supported by a staff of assistants and brilliant research fellows. There are virtually no restrictions on what I can work on. I must try very hard to be worthy of this privilege and to cast some light on matters that matter.
CONTACT
For administrative matters, scheduling, and invitations, please contact my assistant, Kyle Scott:
Email: fhipa[atsign]philosophy[dot]ox[dot]ac[dot]uk Phone: +44 (0)1865 286800
If you need to contact me directly (I regret I am unable to respond to all emails): nick[atsign]nickbostrom[dot]com.
VIRTUAL ESTATE
http://www.fhi.ox.ac.ukFuture of Humanity Institute
http://www.anthropic-principle.comPapers on observational selection effects
http://www.simulation-argument.comDevoted to the question, "Are you living in a computer simulation?"
http://www.existential-risk.orgHuman extinction scenarios and related concerns
On the bank at the end Of what was there before us Gazing over to the other side On what we can become Veiled in the mist of nave speculation We are busy here preparing Rafts to carry us across Before the light goes out leaving us In the eternal night of could-have-been
CRUCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
A thread that runs through my work is a concern with "crucial considerations". A crucial consideration is an idea or argument that might plausibly reveal the need for not just some minor course adjustment in our practical endeavours but a major change of direction or priority.
If we have overlooked even just one such consideration, then all our best efforts might be for naughtor less. When headed the wrong way, the last thing needed is progress. It is therefore important to pursue such lines of inquiry as might disclose an unnoticed crucial consideration.
Some of the relevant inquiries are about moral philosophy and values. Others have to do with rationality and reasoning under uncertainty. Still others pertain to specific issues and possibilities, such as existential risks, the simulation hypothesis, human enhancement, infinite utilities, anthropic reasoning, information hazards, the future of machine intelligence, or the singularity hypothesis.
High-leverage questions associated with crucial considerations deserve to be investigated. My research interests are quite wide-ranging; yet they all stem from the quest to understand the big picture for humanity, so that we can more wisely choose what to aim for and what to do. Embarking on this quest has seemed the best way to try to make a positive contribution to the world.
SOME VIDEOS AND LECTURES
SOME ADDITONAL (OLD, COBWEBBED) PAPERS
On this page.
INTERVIEWS
POLICY
MISCELLANEOUS
The rest is here:
- Human Genetic Enhancements - A Transhumanist Perspective - February 12th, 2015 [February 12th, 2015]
- TRANSHUMANIST AGENDA: Would You Live For 10,000 Years? - Video - February 12th, 2015 [February 12th, 2015]
- What If You Could Live for 10,000 years? Q&A with Transhumanist Zoltan Istvan - Video - February 12th, 2015 [February 12th, 2015]
- We Are Change Luke ~ Links to Transhumanist Positivity & NWO? Feb 4 2015 - Video - February 12th, 2015 [February 12th, 2015]
- TRANSHUMANIST AGENDA: The End of Religion and Review of Lab Rats - Video - February 12th, 2015 [February 12th, 2015]
- 10 Insights from The Transhumanist Wager, with Zoltan Istvan - Video - February 12th, 2015 [February 12th, 2015]
- DAVE HODGES: THE MASS POISONING OF THE PLANET IS TO FULFILL A TRANSHUMANIST AGENDA - Video - February 12th, 2015 [February 12th, 2015]
- TRANSHUMANIST AGENDA: Eliminate Suffering? - Video - February 12th, 2015 [February 12th, 2015]
- Transhumanist Propaganda as Entertainment - Video - February 12th, 2015 [February 12th, 2015]
- TRANSHUMANIST AGENDA: Lab Rats - Rise of the Secret Soldiers - Video - February 12th, 2015 [February 12th, 2015]
- Vote Zoltan Istvan - Transhumanist U.S. Presidential Candidate For 2016 - Video - February 12th, 2015 [February 12th, 2015]
- Transhumanist - Video - February 12th, 2015 [February 12th, 2015]
- Transhumanist Values - Nick Bostrom's Home Page - February 15th, 2015 [February 15th, 2015]
- Transhumanist Declaration - Humanity+ | Elevating the ... - February 15th, 2015 [February 15th, 2015]
- Creative AI: The robots that would be painters - February 16th, 2015 [February 16th, 2015]
- Scientists propose 'cortical modem' implant to give you Terminator vision - February 17th, 2015 [February 17th, 2015]
- DARPA's 'Cortical Modem' will plug straight into your BRAIN - February 17th, 2015 [February 17th, 2015]
- TRANSHUMANIST AGENDA: Androgyny and the Antichrist - Video - February 18th, 2015 [February 18th, 2015]
- Alfred Webre:Draco, CIA drive child sacrifice in Religions, Gov, Schools, Wars-Transhumanist Agenda - Video - March 5th, 2015 [March 5th, 2015]
- Transhumanist Propaganda - Video - March 5th, 2015 [March 5th, 2015]
- Transhumanist Extermination Plan, Machine Merge - SteveQuayle - AJShow QC - Video - March 5th, 2015 [March 5th, 2015]
- Africa, Shamanism and The Transhumanist Future with Kilindi Iyi - Video - March 5th, 2015 [March 5th, 2015]
- Theorist to Theorist - Godrules Pt 1 - Transhumanist Confusion - Video - March 5th, 2015 [March 5th, 2015]
- Transhumanist Agenda Revealed - Video - March 5th, 2015 [March 5th, 2015]
- Ask Warren Ellis Your Craziest Questions About The Future - March 10th, 2015 [March 10th, 2015]
- Chappie Satanic Illuminati Transhumanist Agenda EXPOSED - Video - March 12th, 2015 [March 12th, 2015]
- Reply To Face Like The Sun Transhumanist video - Video - March 14th, 2015 [March 14th, 2015]
- Apple Watch Exposed! NWO Conspiracy to Popularize Useless Product for Promoting Transhumanist Agenda - Video - March 14th, 2015 [March 14th, 2015]
- Trending at SXSW: Mind cloning, off-the-grid messaging - Quincy Herald-Whig | Illinois & Missouri News, Sports - March 16th, 2015 [March 16th, 2015]
- Mind cloning, off-the-grid chats & ambient mobile alerts lead chatter at South by Southwest - March 16th, 2015 [March 16th, 2015]
- Tranhumanist CEO Wants to Help You Live Forever - March 16th, 2015 [March 16th, 2015]
- Hottest tech at South by Southwest: FireChat, 'mind cloning' - March 18th, 2015 [March 18th, 2015]
- Humans: The Next Platform - March 18th, 2015 [March 18th, 2015]
- Satanic Illuminati Super Soldier Captain America & MK Ultra Transhumanist Winter Soldier EXPOSED 108 - Video - March 20th, 2015 [March 20th, 2015]
- TRANSHUMANIST AGENDA Androgyny and the Antichrist 720p - Video - March 20th, 2015 [March 20th, 2015]
- TRANSHUMANIST AGENDA Eliminate Suffering 720p - Video - March 20th, 2015 [March 20th, 2015]
- The Everyday Transhumanist | Solve all the Problems! - March 22nd, 2015 [March 22nd, 2015]
- Chappie Satanic Illuminati Transhumanist Agenda EXPOSED 1080p - Video - March 22nd, 2015 [March 22nd, 2015]
- Transhumanist Advert ~ Usain Bolt March 19 2015 - Video - March 22nd, 2015 [March 22nd, 2015]
- TRANSHUMANIST AGENDA The End of Religion and Review of Lab Rats 720p - Video - March 22nd, 2015 [March 22nd, 2015]
- TRANSHUMANIST AGENDA Lab Rats Rise of the Secret Soldiers 720p - Video - March 22nd, 2015 [March 22nd, 2015]
- TRANSHUMANIST AGENDA Would You Live For 10,000 Years 720p - Video - March 22nd, 2015 [March 22nd, 2015]
- Anticipating tomorrows politics, and introducing the Transhumanist Party - Video - March 25th, 2015 [March 25th, 2015]
- EUCACH: Melanie Vritschan homage to Dr Rauni Kilde, whistleblower against Transhumanist Agenda - Video - March 27th, 2015 [March 27th, 2015]
- The Transhumanist Wager- TwinCities+ - Video - March 27th, 2015 [March 27th, 2015]
- Transhumanist politics - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - April 8th, 2015 [April 8th, 2015]
- What does transhumanist mean? - Video - April 9th, 2015 [April 9th, 2015]
- Normal day in transhumanist life - Video - April 9th, 2015 [April 9th, 2015]
- The Transhumanist (Original Mix) - Video - April 9th, 2015 [April 9th, 2015]
- Transhumanist Party - Transcending human limitations - Video - April 11th, 2015 [April 11th, 2015]
- The Age of Transhumanist Politics Has Begun - April 13th, 2015 [April 13th, 2015]
- Why Im Running for President As the Transhumanist Candidate - May 8th, 2015 [May 8th, 2015]
- The Transhumanist Party Supports Bitcoin: Zoltan Istvan ... - May 10th, 2015 [May 10th, 2015]
- Transhumanism and the Technological Singularity - December 8th, 2016 [December 8th, 2016]
- U.S. Transhumanist Party PUTTING SCIENCE, HEALTH ... - December 21st, 2016 [December 21st, 2016]
- U.S. Navy Held Meetings With Transhumanist to Discuss ... - December 22nd, 2016 [December 22nd, 2016]
- H+: True Transhumanism - Essentials | Metanexus - January 12th, 2017 [January 12th, 2017]
- About | Mormon Transhumanist Association - January 12th, 2017 [January 12th, 2017]
- The Transhumanist Wager - amazon.com - January 15th, 2017 [January 15th, 2017]
- An interview with Zoltan Istvan, leader of the Transhumanist ... - January 24th, 2017 [January 24th, 2017]
- Filthy Assistance: Revisiting 'Transmetropolitan: Lust for Life' - ComicsAlliance - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Meet the Body Hacker Trying to Become a Human Vibrator - Gizmodo - Gizmodo - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Editor's Picks #463 - Archinect - February 10th, 2017 [February 10th, 2017]
- Stunning Transhumanism Dominates New 'Ghost in the Shell' Trailer - Inverse - February 13th, 2017 [February 13th, 2017]
- Transhumanist politician wants to run for governor of California - Engadget - February 13th, 2017 [February 13th, 2017]
- Why Elon Musk's transhumanism claims may not be that far-fetched - Wired.co.uk - February 15th, 2017 [February 15th, 2017]
- Mark O'Connell's Journey Among the Immortalists - The Ringer (blog) - February 15th, 2017 [February 15th, 2017]
- Zoltan Istvan, Nick Bostrom, and the Anti-Aging Quest - The Atlantic - The Atlantic - February 18th, 2017 [February 18th, 2017]
- Are We Mature Enough to Deal with Climate Change? - Yahoo News - February 22nd, 2017 [February 22nd, 2017]
- Wow! Really? The Hungarian-American Transhumanist Who Wants to Become a CyborgAnd Live Forever - Hungary Today - February 23rd, 2017 [February 23rd, 2017]
- Transhumanists, biohackers, grinders: Who are they and can they really live forever? - ABC Online - February 23rd, 2017 [February 23rd, 2017]
- 'They want to be literally machines' : Writer Mark O'Connell on the rise of transhumanists - The Verge - February 25th, 2017 [February 25th, 2017]
- 'To Be A Machine' Digs Into The Meaning Of Humanity - NPR - February 28th, 2017 [February 28th, 2017]
- The Transhumanist's Quest for Godhood: 'Remember, Thou Art Mortal' - CNSNews.com - March 1st, 2017 [March 1st, 2017]
- Top 5 Transhumanist Technologies With Major Implications ... - March 1st, 2017 [March 1st, 2017]
- Michael O'Connor : Does He See Himself being a Transhumanist? - Mobile Magazine - March 2nd, 2017 [March 2nd, 2017]
- Transhumanist Wants to Run for California Governor Under Libertarian Banner - The Libertarian Republic - March 7th, 2017 [March 7th, 2017]
- Is Zoltan Istvan a Libertarian? - Being Libertarian - April 8th, 2017 [April 8th, 2017]
- Secret to a better life? - Piqua Daily Call - April 8th, 2017 [April 8th, 2017]
- U.S. Transhumanist Party Discussed - Lifeboat Foundation (blog) - April 8th, 2017 [April 8th, 2017]