What We Owe the Future - Reading Group

An Oxford philosopher makes the case for “longtermism” — that positively influencing the long-term future is a key moral priority of our time.

In What We Owe the Future, philosopher William MacAskill argues for longtermism, the idea that positively influencing the distant future is a key moral priority of our time. From this perspective, it’s not enough to reverse climate change or avert the next pandemic. We must ensure that civilisation would rebound if it collapsed; counter the end of moral progress; and prepare for a planet where the smartest beings are digital, not human.

Curious to learn more about longtermism? Join our reading group in Quartile 2!

What We Owe the Future - Reading Group

William MacAskill is a philosopher at Oxford University, and also one of the founding members of the effective altruism movement. Effective Altruism Eindhoven is running a book club on his latest book, What We Owe The Future. Participants will read an average of 20 pages per week (~60 minutes) and collectively workshop ideas surrounding moral circles, longtermism, and existential risks for 90 minutes. The next reading group will start in Quartile 3 of the TU/e academic year and will last 6 weeks.

This reading group is open to everyone, regardless of your previous experience with effective altruism. Participants will be given a physical copy of the book.

Eligibility

The reading group is open to everyone in the Effective Altruism Eindhoven community. We highly recommend this program if you:

• Are inquisitive, open-minded, and deeply interested in thinking about how to do good more effectively, especially in the long-term future.

• Can commit at least 1 hour per week (~20 pages) to readings.

• Can attend at least 80% of the weekly discussion sessions (~90 minutes).

Apply to the reading group now to secure your spot for Quartile 3. We will evaluate applications on a rolling basis.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.