Why is that so? The end of the world is a strong element in major religions and is a popular theme in literature and movies. The global warming meme made the idea that human activity can have significant planet-wide consequences be universally accepted.
Existential risk due to astronomical or technological causes, as opposed to divine intervention, is pretty novel. No one thinks global warming will end humanity.
If you’re well familiar with the idea of the world ending, the precise mechanism doesn’t seem to be that important.
I think what’s novel is the idea that humans can meaningfully affect that existential risk. However that’s a lower bar / closer jump than the novelty of the whole idea of existential risk.
If you’re well familiar with the idea of the world ending, the precise mechanism doesn’t seem to be that important.
“If you’re familiar with the idea of Christians being resurrected on Judgment Day, the precise mechanism of cryonics doesn’t seem to be that important.”
“If you’re familiar with the idea of angels, the precise mechanism of airplanes doesn’t seem to be that important.”
“If you’re familiar with the idea of Christians being resurrected on Judgment Day, the precise mechanism of cryonics doesn’t seem to be that important.”
For the purpose of figuring out whether an idea is so novel that people have trouble comprehending it, yes, familiarity with the concept of resurrection is useful.
“If you’re familiar with the idea of angels, the precise mechanism of airplanes doesn’t seem to be that important.”
People are familiar with birds and bats. And yes, the existence of those was a major factor in accepting the possibility of heavier-than-air flight and trying to develop various flying contraptions.
Why is that so? The end of the world is a strong element in major religions and is a popular theme in literature and movies. The global warming meme made the idea that human activity can have significant planet-wide consequences be universally accepted.
Existential risk due to astronomical or technological causes, as opposed to divine intervention, is pretty novel. No one thinks global warming will end humanity.
If you’re well familiar with the idea of the world ending, the precise mechanism doesn’t seem to be that important.
I think what’s novel is the idea that humans can meaningfully affect that existential risk. However that’s a lower bar / closer jump than the novelty of the whole idea of existential risk.
“If you’re familiar with the idea of Christians being resurrected on Judgment Day, the precise mechanism of cryonics doesn’t seem to be that important.”
“If you’re familiar with the idea of angels, the precise mechanism of airplanes doesn’t seem to be that important.”
For the purpose of figuring out whether an idea is so novel that people have trouble comprehending it, yes, familiarity with the concept of resurrection is useful.
People are familiar with birds and bats. And yes, the existence of those was a major factor in accepting the possibility of heavier-than-air flight and trying to develop various flying contraptions.