Nick Bostrom
 | |
| Nationality | Swedish |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Philosopher |
| Known for | Superintelligence, the simulation argument, existential risk, information hazards |
Nick Bostrom is a Swedish philosopher known for his work on existential risk, the future of artificial intelligence and the simulation argument. He was the founding director of the Future of Humanity Institute at the University of Oxford from 2005 until its closure in 2024.[1]
Career
In 1998, Bostrom co-founded the World Transhumanist Association with David Pearce. His 2003 paper "Are You Living in a Computer Simulation?", published in The Philosophical Quarterly, argues that at least one of three propositions is likely true, one being that we are almost certainly living in a computer simulation.[2] His 2011 paper on information hazards introduced that term.
His book Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies (Oxford University Press, 2014) argued that artificial intelligence surpassing human intelligence could pose an existential threat, and helped bring AI safety into mainstream discussion. It was followed by Deep Utopia: Life and Meaning in a Solved World (2024).[1] His work on existential risk is a foundation of longtermism.
Controversy and later work
In January 2023, Bostrom apologized for a racist email he had sent to a philosophy mailing list in the mid-1990s.[3] The Future of Humanity Institute was closed on April 16, 2024, after years of disputes with Oxford's Faculty of Philosophy over fundraising and hiring.[4] He has since led the Macrostrategy Research Initiative.[1]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Nick Bostrom's Home Page". Retrieved November 11, 2026.
- ↑ Nick Bostrom. "Are You Living in a Computer Simulation?". The Simulation Argument. Retrieved November 11, 2026.
- ↑ Gault, Matthew (January 12, 2023). "Prominent AI Philosopher and 'Father' of Longtermism Sent Very Racist Email to a 90s Philosophy Listserv". Vice. Retrieved November 11, 2026.
- ↑ Maiberg, Emanuel (April 17, 2024). "Institute That Pioneered AI 'Existential Risk' Research Shuts Down". 404 Media. Retrieved November 11, 2026.