Frequently asked questions
Brief answers to some common questions.
What is eschatology?
Eschatology refers to the study of last things.
What do you mean by “end of the world”?
What is a global catastrophe?
Any event that significantly harms human well-being or civilization on a global scale constitutes a global catastrophe.
What is existential risk?
According to philosopher Nick Bostrom, an existential risk “threatens the premature extinction of Earth-originating intelligent life or the permanent and drastic destruction of its potential for desirable future development.” Nick Bostrom,
Why do you want to end the world?
CAE is devoted to practical, pragmatic solutions. We’re interested in the how, not the why.
Are you terrorists?
No. CAE is a non-partisan institution. While we are willing to partner with those who share our objectives, terrorists are partisan by definition, and typically seek the preservation or dominance of their own group and the destruction or submission of one or more other groups. They are thus opposed to CAE’s stated commitment to equitable distribution of outcomes. Lastly, terrorism is illegal by definition. CAE works within existing legal systems and frameworks, in collaboration with governments agencies and policy-makers.
Are you affiliated with a religious group?
No. CAE is a secular and agnostic institution. We are willing to partner with those who share our objectives, but religious organizations’ concern with eschatology is not only supernatural but also typically partisan—that is, they tend to favor certain groups over others in the sequence of last things. They are thus opposed to CAE’s stated value of equitable distribution of outcomes.
Are you nihilists?
No. The CAE and its partners are composed of a diverse range of people of different backgrounds, cultures, and philosophies drawn together in passionate pursuit of a common task and bound by a set of core values.
How can I help?
Are you anti-natalists, negative utilitarians, misanthropes, eco-radicals, or [insert other philosophical or political group or position]?