The End of the World - Science and Ethics of Human Extinction (Electronic book text)

This work assesses the many disasters that scientists have predicted and speculated on as leading to apocalypse. It surveys potential catastrophes, ranging from deadly diseases to a high energy physics experiment sucking away the atmosphere. One of the greatest threats facing humankind, however, is the insurmountable fact that we are a relatively young species, a risk which is at the heart of the "Doomsday Argument." This argument, if correct, makes the dangers we face more serious than we could have ever imagined. This more than anything makes the arrogance and ignorance of politicians, and indeed philosophers, so disturbing as they continue to ignore the manifest dangers facing future generations.