The spectrum of existential dependence: being mediated by a custodian is not utopia
danfaggella · x · 2026-10-12
AI ethicist Dan Faggella argues that if your existence is mediated by another entity, you haven't escaped the state of nature into utopia — you've made yourself a dependent on a custodian whose willingness and capacity determine your fate. His attached "Spectrum of Existential Dependence" table compares niches (wild animal, entrepreneur, employee, child, retiree, household pet, disabled people) across exposure to selection pressures, custodian capacity/willingness, and whether contribution is expected.
Related event: AI Ethicist Dan Faggella Proposes "Spectrum of Existential Dependence"(2 posts)→
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