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The Ancient Geek's avatar

'Imagine that a killer asteroid is heading straight for Earth. With sufficient effort and ingenuity, humanity could work to deflect it. But no-one bothers. Everybody dies"

Big picture stuff like wars.and catastrophes typically isn't among the obligations of ordinary citizens ...but it is for governments and the like. Consider the aftermath of 9/11, when security agencies were criticised for failing, but ordinary people on the ground were praised to the skies.for their help.

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Richard Y Chappell's avatar

Yes, though if there are things we can do to reduce x-risks, that's surely worth doing even if not an "obligation" in the ordinary sense.

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The Ancient Geek's avatar

It's a case of obligation-for-whom. I can't do anything about an asteroid, but NASA might.

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