Longtermism
William MacAskill introduced and defined the term longtermism as the view that positively influencing the long-term future is a key moral priority of our time. In his words — “What We Owe The Future.” His 2022 book gets into the details. His blog discusses the history of introduction and definition of the term “Longtermism”.
Longtermism is a philosophical perspective that emphasizes the importance of considering the long-term consequences of our actions and decisions. It is based on the idea that the well-being of future generations is just as important as the well-being of the present generation, and that we have a moral responsibility to consider the impact of our actions on the long-term future.
There are several reasons why longtermism is important. The long-term consequences of our actions are often much more significant than the short-term consequences. For example, the choices we make today about climate change and the environment will have a much greater impact on the long-term future than they will on the present generation. Similarly, the choices we make about technological development and artificial intelligence could have far-reaching consequences for the future of humanity.
Longtermism recognizes that the well-being of future generations is a moral concern. Many philosophical theories of ethics, such as utilitarianism, hold that the well-being of all sentient beings should be considered in moral decision-making. By this logic, the well-being of future generations, who will also be sentient beings, should be considered just as important as the well-being of the present generation.
Longtermism highlights the importance of intergenerational equity. This is the idea that each generation has a moral responsibility to leave the world a better place for the next generation. By considering the long-term consequences of our actions, we can ensure that future generations can enjoy a better quality of life than we do.
There are several implications of longtermism for how we should prioritize our actions and decisions. For example, longtermists might argue that we should prioritize policies and projects that have the greatest positive impact on the long-term future, even if they have a smaller impact in the short term. This could include efforts to reduce carbon emissions, invest in renewable energy sources, or support research into artificial intelligence.
Longtermism also has implications for personal decision-making. For example, individuals who are guided by longtermist principles might prioritize saving and investing for the future, rather than focusing solely on short-term pleasure or consumption. They might also prioritize their personal development and learning, to be better equipped to make informed decisions that have a positive impact on the long-term future.
There are several criticisms of longtermism, some of which are as follows:
Time discounting: One criticism of longtermism is that it fails to account for the fact that people generally value the present more than the future. This is known as time discounting, and it means that people are willing to trade off a smaller benefit in the present for a more significant benefit in the future. This can make it difficult to justify longtermist actions that have a smaller benefit in the present but a more considerable benefit in the future.
Uncertainty about the future: Another criticism of longtermism is that it is difficult to predict the long-term consequences of our actions. The future is uncertain, and it is possible that the actions we take today could have unintended consequences that we cannot foresee. This makes it difficult to know for certain which actions will have the greatest positive impact on the long-term future.
Importance of short-term welfare: Some critics argue that longtermism neglects the importance of improving the well-being of people in the present. While it is important to consider the well-being of future generations, it is also important to address pressing issues and challenges that affect people in the present.
Ethical concerns: Some critics argue that longtermism relies on ethical assumptions that are not widely accepted, such as the idea that the well-being of future generations is just as important as the well-being of the present generation. Without these assumptions, it isn't easy to justify prioritizing long-term consequences over short-term ones.
Practical considerations: Some critics argue that longtermism is impractical and that it is more important to focus on solving immediate problems and challenges. They may argue that it is difficult to predict the long-term consequences of our actions and that it is therefore more practical to focus on the present.
Even with giving due respect to the critics, longtermism is a valuable perspective that reminds us to consider the long-term consequences of our actions and to prioritize the well-being of future generations. By taking a longtermist approach, we can work to create a better future for all.
