Overview
Nick Bostrom, a leading AI philosopher and founder of the longtermism movement, has publicly apologized for a racist email he sent to a philosophy listserv in the mid-1990s. The incident has prompted renewed scrutiny of his views, longtermism, and the influence of controversial ideas within the tech and academic elite.
Details of the Racist Email Incident
- Bostrom sent an email in the 1990s asserting "Blacks are more stupid than whites," expressing agreement with the statement and using a racial slur.
- The email was part of a discussion on offensive content and communication style, which Bostrom described as "objective."
- He later acknowledged in the email that his language could be perceived as hateful by those outside the discussion group.
- The email expressed a belief in a probable difference in average IQ between Black people and the general population.
Bostrom's Apology and Clarification
- Bostrom called the message "the very worst" of his contributions to the listserv.
- Apologized unreservedly, stating the message does not represent his views, then or now.
- Said he immediately apologized for the message within 24 hours of sending it and reiterated his regret.
- Condemned his invocation of a racial slur as repulsive.
- Clarified that any differences in cognitive capacity are due to unequal access to resources, not genetics.
- Stated he donates to organizations like the Black Health Alliance.
Broader Context: Longtermism, AI, and Criticisms
- Bostrom is influential in existential risk and AI safety and is foundational to the longtermism movement.
- Longtermism has attracted support from tech elites like Elon Musk and Sam Bankman-Fried.
- Critics argue longtermism is anti-democratic and that some of Bostrom’s related ideas have eugenicist implications.
- Bostrom's earlier academic writings mentioned concerns about dysgenic pressures and population intelligence trends.
Bostrom's Stance on Eugenics and Bioethics
- Bostrom stated he does not support eugenics as commonly understood due to historical atrocities.
- Noted that in bioethics, eugenics may include practices like genetic screening in IVF, which is common in several countries.
- Linked to academic literature discussing complex moral issues in bioethics and human enhancement.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- No response from Bostrom to Vice's request for further comment.