How do we build a better world?

Our existence on planet Earth has always been precarious but we have managed to become one of its most successful species, the only one with the capacity to transform the world which we inhabit. This transformation has led to major advances in health, wealth, social, scientific and creative development, where we are at the cusp of directing our future evolutionary development. Yet, our life on Earth continues to feel fragile and contingent. From pandemics to global conflicts, the threat of mutually assured destruction, the impending climate catastrophe and concern over Artificial General Intelligence, the existential threats to our own existence seem to be largely self-caused. Some of the solutions may well be technological and scientific, but are there aspects of who we are as humans that needs to be more humane and focused on a shared future?

Perhaps it is time to reevaluate what we hold important and of value in our lives with a worldview that concentrates on cooperation and meaningful contribution.

What would a better world look like to you and how do we go about creating it?

Andreas Wasmuht & Don Cameron, BRLSI Philosophy convenors