Human Extinction and Conditional Value

Why should we prevent human beings from going extinct? Recently, several theorists have argued for “additional value views,” according to which our reasons to prevent extinction derive both from the value of the welfare of future lives, and from certain additional values relating to the existence of humanity (such as humanity’s intrinsic or “final” value). Even more recently, these theories have come under attack. In this paper, I first offer a partial taxonomy of additional value views, noting the distinction between what I call “outright value views” and “conditional value views.” As I show, recent attacks against additional value views ultimately present problems for outright value views, yet may be avoided entirely by many conditional value views. I illustrate the great variety of possible conditional value views, noting advantages and costs associated with alternative versions. I conclude by sketching a challenge that conditional value views must address, despite their advantages over outright value views.