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The End: What Science and Religion Tell Us about the Apocalypse
We live in a genuinely unique period of human history, one in which the alarmist's hackneyed warning that “The end is near!” could actually come true. The world is cluttered with increasingly powerful advanced technologies. Global warming and biodiversity loss are unchecked catastrophes that will likely push society to the brink of collapse. How are we to respond to this situation? What can we do to maximize the probability of a positive outcome for our species? The End surveys the expanding wilderness of big-picture hazards before us. It offers a comprehensive and detailed analysis of our evolving existential predicament, which includes risks from synthetic biology, nanotechnology, nuclear weaponry, and (possibly, soon) superintelligence. But understanding the science of risks isn't enough to effectively mitigate one must also understand the social, political, and especially religious contexts in which advanced technologies are being developed. The End provides this knowledge by showing how faith-based belief in religious eschatologies (or end-times narratives) is inching us ever closer to a secular apocalypse. Action needs to be taken immediately to avert a disaster. The question is whether humanity will choose reason over faith, observation over revelation, and science over religion.
288 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2015
12 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
About the author
Émile P. Torres
7 books24 followersÉmile P. Torres (formerly known as Phil Torres) is an American philosopher, intellectual historian, author, activist, and postdoctoral researcher at Case Western Reserve University. Their research focuses on eschatology, existential risk, and human extinction. Along with computer scientist Timnit Gebru, Torres coined the acronym neologism "TESCREAL" to criticize what they see as a group of related philosophies: transhumanism, extropianism, singularitarianism, cosmism, rationalism, effective altruism, and longtermism.
Education
2023-2024 Postdoc, Inamori International Center for Ethics and Excellence, Case Western Reserve University
2020-2023 PhD, Philosophy, Institute of Philosophy, Leibniz Universität Hannover
Dissertation title: Human Extinction: A History of the Science and Ethics of Annihilation, published by Routledge on July 14, 2023, in their “History of Science, Technology, and Medicine” series
Supervisors: Mathias Frisch and Ralf Stoecker
2008-2009 Special Student, Department of Philosophy, Harvard University (4.0 GPA)
2007-2009 MS, Neuroscience, Biology Department, Brandeis University (3.6 GPA)
2005-2007 BA, Philosophy (with Honors), Department of Philosophy, University of Maryland, College Park (4.0 GPA in Major: Philosophy) Schlaretzki Prize for “most outstanding” graduating senior
Education
2023-2024 Postdoc, Inamori International Center for Ethics and Excellence, Case Western Reserve University
2020-2023 PhD, Philosophy, Institute of Philosophy, Leibniz Universität Hannover
Dissertation title: Human Extinction: A History of the Science and Ethics of Annihilation, published by Routledge on July 14, 2023, in their “History of Science, Technology, and Medicine” series
Supervisors: Mathias Frisch and Ralf Stoecker
2008-2009 Special Student, Department of Philosophy, Harvard University (4.0 GPA)
2007-2009 MS, Neuroscience, Biology Department, Brandeis University (3.6 GPA)
2005-2007 BA, Philosophy (with Honors), Department of Philosophy, University of Maryland, College Park (4.0 GPA in Major: Philosophy) Schlaretzki Prize for “most outstanding” graduating senior
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 21, 2016
The End: What Science and Religion Tell Us about the Apocalypse
“The End" is a first-rate examination of the possible causes of humanity’s doom. Founder of the X-Risks Institute for the Study of Extremism, Phil Torres takes the reader on a fascinating journey of doomsday threats, both secular and religious and what needs to be done to prevent annihilation. This captivating 288-page book includes the following fourteen chapters: 1. Looking Forward to the Future, 2. Fire and Ice, 3. Bugs, 4. Manufacturing Molecules, 5. Our Children Might Kill Us, 6. Our Parents Might Kill Us, 7. Dinosaurs and Dodos, 8. Warming Up to Extinction, 9. Caldera and Comets, 10. Monsters, 11. The Really Big Picture, 12. The Power of Prophecy, 13. Guns, God, and Armageddon, and 14. Proaction and Precaution.
Positives:
1. Highly entertaining, well-written, and well-researched book.
2. Is there a more fascinating topic? Well let Mr. Torres answer that, “This makes the topic of existential risks quite possibly the most important that one could study.” It’s truly a one-of-a-kind book.
3. Great command of the topic and most importantly a better communicator. Clear, accessible writing that is both entertaining and enlightening.
4. Considering the topic, the tenor is pleasant and never disrespectful. Torres could have easily taken an alarmist tone but took the preferred professorial route, one that seeks to educate rather than indoctrinate.
5. Right from the preface, Torres clearly lays out what this book is all about. “Our ability to understand civilization’s unique predicament in the twenty-first century and act accordingly will determine whether we tumble into the eternal grave of extinction or flourish for millions of years to come.”
6. Excellent format. Each chapter covers a specific topic, complemented generously with links to sites or notes. Makes good use of charts and diagrams to complement the excellent narrative.
7. Describes in comprehensive detail, the study of the end of the world (eschatology). Many great examples of end times.
8. A look at the nuclear threat and provides a very useful table that clearly illustrates the extent of the hazard.
9. The underestimated hazard of bugs. “The astonishing reality is that pathogenic microorganisms or bugs, have inflicted more misery, suffering, and death upon our species than we have upon ourselves.”
10. A fascinating look at nanotechnology. “A more speculative risk derives from the possibility of self-replicating autonomous nanobots.”
11. Debunks myths. “According to virtually every expert in the relevant fields, substance dualism—which posits that souls and bodies are two completely distinct entities capable of existing apart from each other—is a dead theory.)”
12. The dangers of superintelligence. “But if a superintelligence burst into existence—perhaps on timescales too short for even a vigilant observer to prepare—we could be taken off guard, making us vulnerable to a superintelligence takeover.”
13. Are we in a simulation? Find out.
14. The reality of climate change. “…the best current evidence unequivocally shows that human activity is almost entirely responsible for the observed climatic changes.”
15. Supervolcanoes and asteroids and comets…oh my.
16. So what are monsters according to the author? Find out.
17. Religion as a threat to our own existence. “The point is that the best available evidence today strongly suggests that God doesn’t exist.” “The fact is that beliefs about the future affect actions in the present.”
18. End times according to Christianity (in particular, dispensationalism) and Islam (both Sunni and Shia). “In order, these dispensations are known as Innocence, Conscience, Human Government, Promise, Law, Grace, and the Millennium.”
19. Persuasive arguments backed by sound logic and reason. “I would argue that the most conspicuous, significant, and worrisome form of terrorism in the future won’t just be religious in nature, but apocalyptic.” “Israel matters to the dispensationalists because, as the previous chapter revealed, everything about the end times revolves around the existence of a Jewish state in Palestine.”
20. An excellent final chapter that discusses strategies for survival.
21. Includes appendices.
Negatives:
1. No separate formal bibliography. Books are referred to in the notes.
2. Succinctness won over depth. Some topics were treated more like appetizers than a main dish but a small price to pay for an excellent book.
In summary, this is a truly one-of-a-kind book. A huge and fascinating topic covered with mastery and ease. The End covers many apocalyptic hazards (field of eschatology) with enough detail to help the reader understand what’s at stake but without being obscure. The End is the beginning of what I hope will be more excellent books from this author, kudos to Phil Torres, a can’t miss recommendation!
Further suggestions: “Death from the Skies” by Philip Plait, “Death by Black Hole” by Neil deGrasse Tyson, “Universe” by John Brockman, “Atomic Accidents” by James Mahaffey, “How to Defend the Christian Faith “ by John W. Loftus, “Why Evolution Is True” and “Faith vs. Fact” by Jerry A. Coyne, “Undeniable” by Bill Nye, “Science and Religion” by Daniel C. Dennett, “Why People Believe Weird Things” by Michael Shermer, “Atheism for Dummies” by Dale McGowan, “The Soul Fallacy” by Julien Musolino, “A Manual for Creating Atheists” by Peter Boghosian, “Nonbeliever Nation” by David Niose, “Freethinkers” by Susan Jacoby, “Nailed” by David Fitzgerald, and “Think” by Guy P. Harrison.
“The End" is a first-rate examination of the possible causes of humanity’s doom. Founder of the X-Risks Institute for the Study of Extremism, Phil Torres takes the reader on a fascinating journey of doomsday threats, both secular and religious and what needs to be done to prevent annihilation. This captivating 288-page book includes the following fourteen chapters: 1. Looking Forward to the Future, 2. Fire and Ice, 3. Bugs, 4. Manufacturing Molecules, 5. Our Children Might Kill Us, 6. Our Parents Might Kill Us, 7. Dinosaurs and Dodos, 8. Warming Up to Extinction, 9. Caldera and Comets, 10. Monsters, 11. The Really Big Picture, 12. The Power of Prophecy, 13. Guns, God, and Armageddon, and 14. Proaction and Precaution.
Positives:
1. Highly entertaining, well-written, and well-researched book.
2. Is there a more fascinating topic? Well let Mr. Torres answer that, “This makes the topic of existential risks quite possibly the most important that one could study.” It’s truly a one-of-a-kind book.
3. Great command of the topic and most importantly a better communicator. Clear, accessible writing that is both entertaining and enlightening.
4. Considering the topic, the tenor is pleasant and never disrespectful. Torres could have easily taken an alarmist tone but took the preferred professorial route, one that seeks to educate rather than indoctrinate.
5. Right from the preface, Torres clearly lays out what this book is all about. “Our ability to understand civilization’s unique predicament in the twenty-first century and act accordingly will determine whether we tumble into the eternal grave of extinction or flourish for millions of years to come.”
6. Excellent format. Each chapter covers a specific topic, complemented generously with links to sites or notes. Makes good use of charts and diagrams to complement the excellent narrative.
7. Describes in comprehensive detail, the study of the end of the world (eschatology). Many great examples of end times.
8. A look at the nuclear threat and provides a very useful table that clearly illustrates the extent of the hazard.
9. The underestimated hazard of bugs. “The astonishing reality is that pathogenic microorganisms or bugs, have inflicted more misery, suffering, and death upon our species than we have upon ourselves.”
10. A fascinating look at nanotechnology. “A more speculative risk derives from the possibility of self-replicating autonomous nanobots.”
11. Debunks myths. “According to virtually every expert in the relevant fields, substance dualism—which posits that souls and bodies are two completely distinct entities capable of existing apart from each other—is a dead theory.)”
12. The dangers of superintelligence. “But if a superintelligence burst into existence—perhaps on timescales too short for even a vigilant observer to prepare—we could be taken off guard, making us vulnerable to a superintelligence takeover.”
13. Are we in a simulation? Find out.
14. The reality of climate change. “…the best current evidence unequivocally shows that human activity is almost entirely responsible for the observed climatic changes.”
15. Supervolcanoes and asteroids and comets…oh my.
16. So what are monsters according to the author? Find out.
17. Religion as a threat to our own existence. “The point is that the best available evidence today strongly suggests that God doesn’t exist.” “The fact is that beliefs about the future affect actions in the present.”
18. End times according to Christianity (in particular, dispensationalism) and Islam (both Sunni and Shia). “In order, these dispensations are known as Innocence, Conscience, Human Government, Promise, Law, Grace, and the Millennium.”
19. Persuasive arguments backed by sound logic and reason. “I would argue that the most conspicuous, significant, and worrisome form of terrorism in the future won’t just be religious in nature, but apocalyptic.” “Israel matters to the dispensationalists because, as the previous chapter revealed, everything about the end times revolves around the existence of a Jewish state in Palestine.”
20. An excellent final chapter that discusses strategies for survival.
21. Includes appendices.
Negatives:
1. No separate formal bibliography. Books are referred to in the notes.
2. Succinctness won over depth. Some topics were treated more like appetizers than a main dish but a small price to pay for an excellent book.
In summary, this is a truly one-of-a-kind book. A huge and fascinating topic covered with mastery and ease. The End covers many apocalyptic hazards (field of eschatology) with enough detail to help the reader understand what’s at stake but without being obscure. The End is the beginning of what I hope will be more excellent books from this author, kudos to Phil Torres, a can’t miss recommendation!
Further suggestions: “Death from the Skies” by Philip Plait, “Death by Black Hole” by Neil deGrasse Tyson, “Universe” by John Brockman, “Atomic Accidents” by James Mahaffey, “How to Defend the Christian Faith “ by John W. Loftus, “Why Evolution Is True” and “Faith vs. Fact” by Jerry A. Coyne, “Undeniable” by Bill Nye, “Science and Religion” by Daniel C. Dennett, “Why People Believe Weird Things” by Michael Shermer, “Atheism for Dummies” by Dale McGowan, “The Soul Fallacy” by Julien Musolino, “A Manual for Creating Atheists” by Peter Boghosian, “Nonbeliever Nation” by David Niose, “Freethinkers” by Susan Jacoby, “Nailed” by David Fitzgerald, and “Think” by Guy P. Harrison.
June 27, 2022
1.5, bumped up two 2 stars by the slightest of margins
I'm not even sure what the purpose of this book is. It's mostly pure FUD, with a large dose of preaching to the choir and tooting his own horn. In a way I wanted to find this book interesting, but it just isn't. It's a study in fearmongering and hypocrisy.
In and of themselves, the scenarios that Torres presents are interesting and worth at least considering, but it's not enough to make up for how insufferable he comes across. He is so utterly convinced of the validity of his own worldview that he's appears incapable of even considering other points of view. I'm not only referring to the question of religions and belief systems, but politics and ethics too.
It's astounding how cheerfully he argues in favor of eugenics, and how he essentially suggests that we use the educational system to brainwash kids into having the right beliefs (naturally, the ones he himself espouses). It doesn't even once seem to occur to him that not everyone will agree that his view of the future is the best one, or even desirable in the slightest. There's a reason we have a separation of state and church, and a technocratic conviction is barely any better.
To say something positive thing about this work, it does come across as well researched. He condenses a lot of information into an easily digestible format. At times he simplifies a bit too much, but I appreciate the effort that he has put in. As a piece of pop science it's relatively decent, I just have major issues with his belief system.
I guess I should thank Torres for reminding me of why I dislike the "New Atheist movement" that he proudly considers himself a part of. Critical thinking is important, and it can indeed lead you away from religion, as he says. However, this book is not a good example of critical thinking, but rather of taking your beliefs and running with them.
I'm not even sure what the purpose of this book is. It's mostly pure FUD, with a large dose of preaching to the choir and tooting his own horn. In a way I wanted to find this book interesting, but it just isn't. It's a study in fearmongering and hypocrisy.
In and of themselves, the scenarios that Torres presents are interesting and worth at least considering, but it's not enough to make up for how insufferable he comes across. He is so utterly convinced of the validity of his own worldview that he's appears incapable of even considering other points of view. I'm not only referring to the question of religions and belief systems, but politics and ethics too.
It's astounding how cheerfully he argues in favor of eugenics, and how he essentially suggests that we use the educational system to brainwash kids into having the right beliefs (naturally, the ones he himself espouses). It doesn't even once seem to occur to him that not everyone will agree that his view of the future is the best one, or even desirable in the slightest. There's a reason we have a separation of state and church, and a technocratic conviction is barely any better.
To say something positive thing about this work, it does come across as well researched. He condenses a lot of information into an easily digestible format. At times he simplifies a bit too much, but I appreciate the effort that he has put in. As a piece of pop science it's relatively decent, I just have major issues with his belief system.
I guess I should thank Torres for reminding me of why I dislike the "New Atheist movement" that he proudly considers himself a part of. Critical thinking is important, and it can indeed lead you away from religion, as he says. However, this book is not a good example of critical thinking, but rather of taking your beliefs and running with them.
December 6, 2016
Well that was a wild ride.
Into a dark, bottomless pit of depression.
No, I jest. This was very good though. It dealt with existential catastrophes - literally, catastrophes that could end existence, as the name might have clued you in - in comprehensible ways. Or, I guess, as comprehensive as the end of yourself/humanity/everything can be. Phil Torres manages to inject some much-needed humor into these major issues while still taking all of them seriously, as outlandish as death by nanobots seems to be (or is it outlandish?). He also does a really respectful job of dealing with religion while pointing out, shall we say, the flaws inherent in the system.
Worth a read if you feel like experiencing a sense of panic leveled out by preparatory calm.
Into a dark, bottomless pit of depression.
No, I jest. This was very good though. It dealt with existential catastrophes - literally, catastrophes that could end existence, as the name might have clued you in - in comprehensible ways. Or, I guess, as comprehensive as the end of yourself/humanity/everything can be. Phil Torres manages to inject some much-needed humor into these major issues while still taking all of them seriously, as outlandish as death by nanobots seems to be (or is it outlandish?). He also does a really respectful job of dealing with religion while pointing out, shall we say, the flaws inherent in the system.
Worth a read if you feel like experiencing a sense of panic leveled out by preparatory calm.
March 10, 2019
While I focused more on the scientific rather than religion chapters, I found this book to be a fascinating read. In each chapter Torres examined possible scenarios for the end of humanity and while that might seem unduly bleak for some readers, I was completely absorbed. In addition to end-of-days outcomes, the author also lists reasons paths for humanity that will lead to extended life and hope. A captivating and thought-provoking read.
September 9, 2018
Very interesting primer on eschatology and where the eyes of experts are pointed. The lack of attention given to climate change is most definitely alarming.
July 16, 2019
A must read for anyone who wants to see the future capabilities of AI.
January 16, 2021
Most interesting I’ve got through in a while. Bit absurd hearing about the existential dangers of pandemics while living through one
April 3, 2020
2019.07.03–2019.07.03
Contents
Torres P (2015) (08:38) End, The - What Science and Religion Tell Us about the Apocalypse
Foreword by Russell Blackford
Preface
01. Looking Forward to the Future
• The Most Important Conversation of Our Age
• Big-Picture Hazards: Definitions
• Causes of Big-Picture Hazards
• Speculation and Predictability
02. Fire and Ice
• The Doomsday Clock Is Ticking
• When Hell Freezes Over
• With God on Our Side
• Close Calls and Near Misses
• Duck and Cover
03. Bugs
• Pandemonium
• A Dual Etiology: Turning Biology against Itself
• Menacing Mistakes
04. Manufacturing Molecules
• A Stairway to Heaven
• Manufacturing Problems
• Ecology Eaters
05. Our Children Might Kill Us
• Killer Computers
• Flavors of Brilliance
• A Core Distinction
• Mindware on Wetware
• Steal, Copy, Invent
• Suicide by Parricide
06. Our Parents Might Kill Us
• Sentient Simulants
• So Many Ways to Die
07. Dinosaurs and Dodos
• Pruning the Tree of Life
• The Holocene Extinction Event
• Not on My Planet (NOMPism)
08. Warming Up to Extinction
• Global Warming Is the Climate’s Change
• Positive Feedback Is Unwelcome
09. Caldera and Comets
• A Meteorological Frankenstein
• Supervolcanism
• The Impact of an Impactor
10. Monsters
• Unknown Unknowns
• Varieties of the Unknowable
• God Created the Devil
11. The Really Big Picture
• The Sun’s Future Is Bright
• In with a Bang, Out with a Whimper
12. The Power of Prophecy
• The Other Branch of Eschatology
• Abraham’s Bosom and the Lake of Fire
• The Most Beneficient, the Most Merciful
13. Guns, God, and Armageddon
• The Clash of Eschatologies
• What Would Jesus Do?
• Don’t Shoot the Messenger
• Same Page, Different Holy Book
14. Proaction and Precaution
• Numbers and Probabilities
• Two Hypotheses about the Existential Threat
• Strategies for Survival
• Top Priorities
• The End Is Here
Acknowledgments
Appendix 1: Alternative Risk Typologies
Appendix 2: The Story of Zoroastrianism
• Thus Spoke Zoroaster
• The Beginning and End of Time (Literally)
Appendix 3: Religion without God
Appendix 4: Thinking Clearly about the Big Picture
• A Fundamental Difference
• What Kinds of Things Are True?
• How Do Beliefs Fit into This Picture?
• When Should One Believe Something?
• Some Qualifications
• Knowledge and Faith
About the Author
Contents
Torres P (2015) (08:38) End, The - What Science and Religion Tell Us about the Apocalypse
Foreword by Russell Blackford
Preface
01. Looking Forward to the Future
• The Most Important Conversation of Our Age
• Big-Picture Hazards: Definitions
• Causes of Big-Picture Hazards
• Speculation and Predictability
02. Fire and Ice
• The Doomsday Clock Is Ticking
• When Hell Freezes Over
• With God on Our Side
• Close Calls and Near Misses
• Duck and Cover
03. Bugs
• Pandemonium
• A Dual Etiology: Turning Biology against Itself
• Menacing Mistakes
04. Manufacturing Molecules
• A Stairway to Heaven
• Manufacturing Problems
• Ecology Eaters
05. Our Children Might Kill Us
• Killer Computers
• Flavors of Brilliance
• A Core Distinction
• Mindware on Wetware
• Steal, Copy, Invent
• Suicide by Parricide
06. Our Parents Might Kill Us
• Sentient Simulants
• So Many Ways to Die
07. Dinosaurs and Dodos
• Pruning the Tree of Life
• The Holocene Extinction Event
• Not on My Planet (NOMPism)
08. Warming Up to Extinction
• Global Warming Is the Climate’s Change
• Positive Feedback Is Unwelcome
09. Caldera and Comets
• A Meteorological Frankenstein
• Supervolcanism
• The Impact of an Impactor
10. Monsters
• Unknown Unknowns
• Varieties of the Unknowable
• God Created the Devil
11. The Really Big Picture
• The Sun’s Future Is Bright
• In with a Bang, Out with a Whimper
12. The Power of Prophecy
• The Other Branch of Eschatology
• Abraham’s Bosom and the Lake of Fire
• The Most Beneficient, the Most Merciful
13. Guns, God, and Armageddon
• The Clash of Eschatologies
• What Would Jesus Do?
• Don’t Shoot the Messenger
• Same Page, Different Holy Book
14. Proaction and Precaution
• Numbers and Probabilities
• Two Hypotheses about the Existential Threat
• Strategies for Survival
• Top Priorities
• The End Is Here
Acknowledgments
Appendix 1: Alternative Risk Typologies
Appendix 2: The Story of Zoroastrianism
• Thus Spoke Zoroaster
• The Beginning and End of Time (Literally)
Appendix 3: Religion without God
Appendix 4: Thinking Clearly about the Big Picture
• A Fundamental Difference
• What Kinds of Things Are True?
• How Do Beliefs Fit into This Picture?
• When Should One Believe Something?
• Some Qualifications
• Knowledge and Faith
About the Author
June 13, 2016
Author Phil Torres is brilliant with his latest book "The End". Combining a study of theology, history, philosophy, and the future we face, Torres puts fear into the readers' hearts, but in the coolest way possible. Torres explains how, with the advancement of technology, humanity's understanding of the world, and putting into context the risk faced by terrorist threats (on an individual and group scale), Homo sapiens, and the rest of planet earth, are facing enormous risk with the threats facing us. Whether it's ISIS today, or lone wolf John Doe in 2020, we should be fearful of the risk of the end. But there are ways out. Read this book NOW to find out!
July 9, 2021
extremely informative, particularlydiscussion re: eschatology of different religions and intersecton with reality.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews