Should Humans Go Extinct? Asking the Big Question with Todd May

In this first episode of our extinction series, we met with Todd May to discuss his new book Should We Go Extinct? A Philosophical Dilemma for Our Times. This massive question is accessibly analyzed yet Todd also brings in issues underdiscussed in extinction discourse: Who is the inexact "we" behind the question, how do different humans contribute to ecological crisis and therefore human and nonhuman extinction, and what is the role of art in deciding whether humanity's existence should continue? Instead of concluding on one side or the other, Todd finds asking the question of humanity's extinction itself is a productive thought experiment for ourselves and our community.

 

For more on Todd May:

Website: https://www.toddmayphilosopher.com/

Email: todd-may@warren-wilson.edu

 

Todd's Reading Recommendation: The Emotions: A Philosophical Exploration by Peter Goldie (2002).

 

ASLE EcoCast:

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• Twitter: @ASLE_EcoCast
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Episode recorded September 18, 2024.

CC BY-NC-ND 4.0