Better decision making tools for an uncertain world
Humanity faces a range of potential disasters such as catastrophic climate change, deadly pandemics and bioterrorism. But how do we respond to such risks in a rational and ethically responsible way? Based on practical philosophy, Orri Stefánsson wants to develop tools that help us make decisions in the face of difficult situations.
Orri Stefánsson. Photo: Magnus Bergström/KAW
In his teens, Orri Stefánsson, like many others, became fascinated about the fundamental questions of life. A committed high school teacher inspired him further.
“I became fascinated in basic questions, like what is justice, what is truth, and how should we treat other people and animals.”
Stefánsson researches decision theory and ethics. His current focus areas include how we can make rational and ethically defensible decisions when we are faced with difficult situations in which we have limited information and there is a risk of potentially catastrophic outcomes, for example the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and climate change.
