Why the Future Matters: Philosophica l Tools for Existential Risk | SJ Beard | Senior Research Associate at University of Cambridge | Season 8 Episode 9 | #132

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. SJ Beard, a Senior Research Associate at the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk, to explore the ethical, philosophical, and deeply human questions behind our most pressing global threats. We begin with SJ’s journey from philosophy to public policy and how a thought experiment called "The Repugnant Conclusion" unexpectedly shaped their career. From there, we dive into how philosophers play a crucial role in public discourse—not by offering easy answers, but by helping us ask the harder questions that policy often ignores.

We explore three major theories of well-being—hedonistic, preference-based, and objective list—and their implications for education, economic models, and future planning. Our conversation takes a turn toward AI and technology, where we unpack the acceleration of change, the myth of the unstoppable tech future, and how existential risk isn’t just about doom—it’s also about agency. SJ shares their thoughts on how we measure value, what it means to live a “good life,” and whether humanity’s future is worth fighting for—especially when we don’t even agree on what “better” means.

This episode isn't about fear-mongering or utopian dreaming—it’s about asking the right questions. Questions like: Why should humanity survive? How do we define progress? And what role do education, technology, and philosophy play in shaping a future we actually want to live in?