Oxford University Shuts Down Future of Humanity Institute After 19 Years

Oxford University has closed the Future of Humanity Institute (FHI), a research center focused on long-term risks to humanity and the potential impacts of artificial intelligence, after 19 years of operation. The institute, led by philosopher Nick Bostrom, gained prominence for its work on existential risks and the concept of long-term, which advocates for prioritizing the long-term future of humanity.

The closure comes in the wake of Bostrom's apology for a racist email he wrote decades ago and amid broader scandals within the effective altruism movement, of which Bostrom has been a key figure. Oxford cited "administrative headwinds" and "death by bureaucracy" as the reasons for shutting down the institute.

Bostrom, whose writings on the long-term threat of advanced AI influenced tech leaders like Elon Musk, Sam Altman, and Bill Gates, resigned from his position at Oxford following the closure announcement. He described the decision as "death by bureaucracy" resulting from "administrative headwinds" at the university.

The FHI's closure deals a blow to the effective altruism and long-termism movements championed by Bostrom. These philosophies have recently faced increased scrutiny and criticism due to scandals involving racism, sexual harassment, and financial fraud among some of their prominent advocates.

Oxford University acknowledged the important contributions made by the FHI over the years, stating that researchers across the university are likely to continue working on the emerging field of long-term risks to humanity. However, the closure marks the end of an era for the institute that played a significant role in shaping the conversation around existential risks and the future of AI.

Why this matters: The closure of the Future of Humanity Institute reflects a growing backlash against the effective altruism and long-termism movements, which have been shaken by recent scandals. It also raises questions about the future of research into existential risks and the long-term impacts of artificial intelligence, as one of the most prominent institutes dedicated to these issues shuts down.

The FHI's closure comes at a time when the rapid development of AI technology has sparked both excitement and concern about its potential consequences for humanity. As Oxford University moves on from the institute, how the research community will continue to address these complex and critical questions about our long-term future remains uncertain.

Key Takeaways

• Oxford University closed the Future of Humanity Institute after 19 years.
• The institute, led by Nick Bostrom, focused on long-term risks and AI impacts.
• Bostrom's racist email and scandals in effective altruism contributed to closure.
• Oxford cited "administrative headwinds" and "death by bureaucracy" as reasons.
• Closure deals a blow to effective altruism and long-termism movements.