Title: Embracing Longtermism: Shaping a Responsible Future

Introduction:
Longtermism, a relatively recent ethical viewpoint coined around 2017, has emerged as a compelling framework that places the positive influence on the long-term future at the forefront of our moral priorities. This essay delves into the key principles of longtermism, its historical roots, implications for action, and its theoretical underpinnings, emphasizing the critical role it assigns to the present generation in shaping a responsible and sustainable future.

Body:
Defining Longtermism: Longtermism posits that positively influencing the long-term future stands as a pivotal moral duty. Philosopher William MacAskill succinctly defines it as the belief that steering the course of the long-term future should be a key ethical priority of our time. This concept distinguishes itself from strong longtermism, which asserts that influencing the long-term future is the paramount moral priority.
Arguments for Longtermism: The core argument for longtermism rests on the moral equivalence of future and present generations. Advocates contend that the responsibility lies with the current generation to ensure the survival and flourishing of those yet to come. The potential existence of more people in the future than the present, coupled with the belief that our actions can positively impact their lives, forms the foundation of this ethical viewpoint.
Historical Roots: While the term "longtermism" may be recent, its roots delve into historical perspectives. Concepts akin to longtermism can be traced back to indigenous wisdom, such as the Iroquois Confederacy's principle of decision-making that considers the welfare of the seventh generation. Thinkers like Derek Parfit and Jonathan Schell have also contributed to the re-emergence of these ideas in contemporary thought.
Longtermist Community: Longtermism has given rise to a community of individuals and organizations actively working to protect the interests of future generations. Notable institutions, including Cambridge University's Centre for the Study of Existential Risk and Oxford University's Future of Humanity Institute, exemplify the commitment to understanding and mitigating existential risks.
Implications for Action: Researchers studying longtermism propose two key ways to improve the long-term future: averting permanent catastrophes and changing civilization's trajectory for the better. Existential risks, ranging from nuclear war to emerging technologies, underscore the urgency of addressing threats that could jeopardize humanity's long-term potential.
Trajectory Changes: Beyond averting existential risks, proponents of longtermism argue for positive trajectory changes. This includes economic growth, improvements in governance, and, notably, changes in societal values. The notion that our present actions can bring about a moral revolution, as seen in historical instances like the abolition of slavery, highlights the potential impact of shaping positive values for the long run.
Living at a Pivotal Time: Longtermists assert that we are living at a pivotal moment in human history, where our choices can significantly influence the course of the future. Unprecedented technological developments and a heightened understanding of the long-term consequences of our actions underscore the unique responsibility of the present generation.
Theoretical Considerations: Longtermism finds support in various moral theories, including utilitarianism and non-consequentialist frameworks. The asymmetrical partnership between generations, grounded in the sacrifices of the past and the ease of helping future generations, provides a moral foundation for the ethical responsibilities longtermism advocates.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, longtermism calls for a profound shift in our ethical considerations, urging us to prioritize the well-being of future generations in our decision-making. As we navigate the complexities of existential risks and societal challenges, embracing longtermism offers a roadmap to shape a responsible and sustainable future, where the choices we make today reverberate through the annals of time, influencing the destiny of generations yet unborn.