-
Browse Book Series
- Adhesion and Adhesives: Fundamental and Applied Aspects
- Advances in Additive Manufacturing Technologies
- Advances in Antenna, Microwave and Communication Engineering
- Advances in Biofeedstocks and Biofuels
- Advances in Cyber Security
- Advances in Data Engineering and Machine Learning
- Advances in E-Mobility
- Advances in Hydrogen Production and Storage
- Advances in Intelligent and Scientific Computing (AISC)
- Advances in Learning Analytics for Intelligent Cloud-IoT Systems
- Advances in Membrane Processes
- Advances in Nanotechnology and Applications
- Advances in Natural Gas Engineering
- Advances in Pipes and Pipelines
- Advances in Production Engineering
- Advances in Solar Cell Materials and Storage
- Applied Functional Materials
- Artificial Intelligence and Soft Computing for Industrial Transformation
- Astrobiology Perspectives on Life in the Universe
- Bioprocessing in Food Science
- Computational Intelligence and Biomedical Engineering
- Concise Introductions to AI and Data Science
- Cyber Systems and Quantum Engineering
- Decentralized Systems and Next-Generation Internet
- Diatoms: Biology and Applications
- Digital Convergence in Engineering Systems
- Emerging Trends in Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Engineering Systems Design for Sustainable Development
- Fintech in a Sustainable Digital Society
- Industry 5.0 Transformation Applications
- Infectious and Rare Diseases
- Innovations in Materials and Manufacturing
- Machine Learning in Biomedical Science and Healthcare Informatics
- Materials Degradation and Failure
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Next-Generation Computing and Communication Engineering
- Performability Engineering Series
- Rotating Machinery Fundamentals and Advances
- Studies in Computational Intelligence and Smart Technologies
- Sustainable Computing and Optimization
Browse Subject Areas
For Authors
Submit a ProposalAstrobiology
 | Science, Ethics, and Public Policy Edited by Octavio A. Chon Torres, Ted Peters, Joseph Seckbach and Richard Gordon Series: Astrobiology Perspectives on Life in the Universe Copyright: 2021 | Status: Published ISBN: 9781119711162 | Hardcover | 417 pages | 12 illustrations Price: $195 USD  |
One Line Description
This unique book advances the frontier discussion of a wide spectrum of astrobiological issues on scientific advances, space ethics, social impact, religious meaning, and public policy formulation.
Audience
The book will attract readers from a wide range of interests including astronomers, astrobiologists, chemists, biologists, space engineers, ethicists, theologians and philosophers.
The book will attract readers from a wide range of interests including astronomers, astrobiologists, chemists, biologists, space engineers, ethicists, theologians and philosophers.
Description
Astrobiology is an exploding discipline in which not only the natural sciences, but also the social sciences and humanities converge. Astrobiology: Science, Ethics, and Public Policy is a multidisciplinary book that presents different perspectives and points of view by its contributing specialists. Epistemological, moral and political issues arising from astrobiology, convey the complexity of challenges posed by the search for life elsewhere in the universe. We ask: if a convoy of colonists from Earth make the trip to Mars, should their genomes be edited to adapt to the Red Planet’s environment? If scientists discover a biosphere with microbial life within our solar system, will it possess intrinsic value or merely utilitarian value? If astronomers discover an intelligent civilization on an exoplanet elsewhere in the Milky Way, what would be humanity’s moral responsibility: to protect Earth from an existential threat? To treat other intelligences with dignity? To exploit through interstellar commerce? To conquer?
Back to Top
Astrobiology is an exploding discipline in which not only the natural sciences, but also the social sciences and humanities converge. Astrobiology: Science, Ethics, and Public Policy is a multidisciplinary book that presents different perspectives and points of view by its contributing specialists. Epistemological, moral and political issues arising from astrobiology, convey the complexity of challenges posed by the search for life elsewhere in the universe. We ask: if a convoy of colonists from Earth make the trip to Mars, should their genomes be edited to adapt to the Red Planet’s environment? If scientists discover a biosphere with microbial life within our solar system, will it possess intrinsic value or merely utilitarian value? If astronomers discover an intelligent civilization on an exoplanet elsewhere in the Milky Way, what would be humanity’s moral responsibility: to protect Earth from an existential threat? To treat other intelligences with dignity? To exploit through interstellar commerce? To conquer?
Back to Top
Author / Editor Details
Octavio Alfonso Chon Torres, PhD is a Professor at the Universidad de Lima, Doctor in Philosophy, Doctor(c) in Education, Master in Epistemology, and Philosopher; president and founder of the Asociación Peruana de Astrobiología - ASPAST (Peruvian Astrobiology Association); Associate Member of the Astronomical International Union F3 Commission; member of the International Working Group on Astrobioethics; organizer of the IV International Congress of Astrobiology. Research topics: philosophy of astrobiology, astrobioethics, epistemology and transdisciplinarity.
Octavio Alfonso Chon Torres, PhD is a Professor at the Universidad de Lima, Doctor in Philosophy, Doctor(c) in Education, Master in Epistemology, and Philosopher; president and founder of the Asociación Peruana de Astrobiología - ASPAST (Peruvian Astrobiology Association); Associate Member of the Astronomical International Union F3 Commission; member of the International Working Group on Astrobioethics; organizer of the IV International Congress of Astrobiology. Research topics: philosophy of astrobiology, astrobioethics, epistemology and transdisciplinarity.
Ted Peters (Ph.D., University of Chicago) teaches systematic theology and ethics at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California, USA. He co-edits the journal, Theology and Science, at the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences. Ted Peters is author of God- -The World’s Future (Fortress, 3rd ed., 2015) and God in Cosmic History (Anselm Academic 2017). He is co-author of Evolution from Creation to New Creation (Abingdon 2002). Along with colleagues he has just edited, Astrotheology: Science and Theology Meet Extraterrestrial Life (Cascade 2018). He has also authored a series of fiction thrillers including For God and Country, Cyrus Twelve, and The Moon Turns to Blood (Aprocryphile Press).
Joseph Seckbach, PhD from the University of Chicago and did a post doctorate in Caltech, Pasadena, California. He led a group researching exobiology (extra-terrestrial life) at UCLA and spent postdoctoral period at UCLA, Tubingen, Munich and Harvard University. Professor Joseph Seckbach has edited over 35 books for various publishers. Beyond editing academic volumes, he has published more than 140 scientific articles on plant ferritin–phytoferritin, cellular evolution, acidothermophilic algae, life in extreme environments and on astrobiology.
Richard Gordon, PhD is a theoretical biologist and retired from Department of Radiology, University of Manitoba in 2011. Presently at Gulf Specimen Marine Lab & Aquarium, Panacea, Florida and Adjunct Professor, C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth & Development, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit Michigan. Interest in exobiology (now astrobiology) dates from 1960s undergraduate work on organic matter in the Orgueil meteorite with Edward Anders. Has published critical reviews of panspermia and the history of discoveries of life in meteorites.
Back to Top
Table of Contents
Foreword
Preface
1. Astrobioethics: Epistemological, Astrotheological, and Interplanetary Issues Octavio A. Chon Torres
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Epistemological Issue
1.3 Astrotheological Issue
1.4 Interplanetary Issue
1.5 Conclusions
References
2. Astroethics for Earthlings: Our Responsibility to the Galactic Commons Ted Peters
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Laying the Foundation for an Astroethics of Responsibility
2.2.1 First Foundational Question: Who Are We?
2.2.2 Second Foundational Question: What Do We Value?
2.2.2.1 Science and Value
2.2.2.2 Religious Reliance on the Common Good
2.2.2.3 A Secular Grounding for Astroethics?
2.2.3 Third Foundational Question: What Should We Do?
2.2.3.1 From Quandary to Responsibility
2.2.3.2 From Space Sanctuary to Galactic Commons
2.3 Astroethical Quandaries Arising Within the Solar Neighborhood
2.3.1 Does Planetary Protection Apply Equally to Both Earth and Off-Earth Locations?
2.3.2 Does Off-Earth Life Have Intrinsic Value?
2.3.3 Should Astroethicists Adopt the Precautionary Principle?
2.3.4 Who’s Responsible for Space Debris?
2.3.5 How Should We Govern Satellite Surveillance?
2.3.6 Should We Weaponize Space?
2.3.7 Which Should Have Priority: Scientific Research or Making a Profit?
2.3.8 Should We Earthlings Terraform Mars?
2.3.9 Should We Establish Human Settlements on Mars?
2.3.10 How Do We Protect Earth from the Sky?
2.4 Levels
2.4.1 What is Our Responsibility Toward of Intelligence in the Milky Way Metropolis
Intellectually Inferior ETI?
2.4.2 What is Our Responsibility Toward Peer ETI?
2.4.3 What is Our Responsibility Toward Superior ETI or Even Post-Biological Intelligence?
2.5 Conclusion
References
3. Moral Philosophy for a Second Genesis
Julian Chela-Flores
3.1 Moral Philosophy on Earth and Elsewhere
3.1.1 The Origin of Ethics and Its Universal Relevance
3.1.2 Why Should We Act Morally?
3.1.3 Is a New Morality Needed for Astrobiological Explorations?
3.2 Identifying the Lack of Ethical Substance in Science Communication
3.2.1 Understanding the Boundaries of Knowledge
3.2.2 Implications of the Limits and Horizons of Science
3.3 Going from Astrobiology to Astrobioethics: A Big Step for Science and Humanism
3.3.1 The Pathway from Ethics to Bioethics and to Astrobioethics
3.3.2 The Question of the Role of Ethics in Astrobiology
3.4 Would There Be New Ethical Principles if There Were a Second Genesis?
3.4.1 Inevitability of the Emergence of a Particular Biosignature
3.4.2 Universalizable Ethical Criteria
3.5 Astrobioethics is Subject to Constraints on Chance
3.5.1 Not All Genes Are Equally Significant Targets for Evolution
3.5.2 Evolutionary Changes Are Constrained
3.6 How Are We Going to Treat Non-Human Life Away from the Earth?
3.6.1 Can Ethical Behavior Be Extended into a Cosmic Context
3.6.2 Instrumentation for the Search of Life
3.7 Ethical Principles in Early Proposals for the Search for Non-Human Life in the Solar System
3.7.1 Ethical Considerations in Previous Research in the Solar System
3.7.2 Instrumentation That Might Harm Exo-Microorganisms
3.8 Conclusion
Glossary
References
4. Who Goes There? When Astrobiology Challenges Humans
Jacques Arnould
4.1 Introduction
4.2 The Copernican Revolution
4.3 Religious Reactions to the Copernican Revolution
4.4 Astrobiology and Speculation
4.5 Heretics
4.6 The Many Worlds Hypothesis
4.7 Desecration of Planets Beyond Earth
4.8 The Precautionary Principle
4.9 The Sacred Beyond Earth
4.10 Who Goes There?
4.11 Conclusion: The Astrobiological Apocalypse
Furher Readings
5. Social and Ethical Currents in Astrobiological Debates
Kelly C. Smith
5.1 Introductory Musings
5.2 Uncertainty Opens the Door
5.3 Time Frames
5.4 Conceptual Frames
5.4.1 Error Avoiders vs. Optimizers
5.4.2 Ecologicals vs. Anthropocentrists
5.4.3 Communalists vs. Commercialists
5.5 Complications, Connections, and CYA
5.6 A Concluding Thought
References
6. The Ethics of Biocontamination
Tony Milligan
6.1 The Beresheet Tardigrades
6.2 Our Conflicting Intuitions
6.3 The Intelligibility of Microbial Value
6.4 Contamination and Discovery
6.5 Conclusion
References
7. Astrobiology Education: Inspiring Diverse Audiences with the Search for Life in the Universe
Chris Impey
7.1 The State of Astrobiology
7.2 Astrobiology as a Profession
7.3 Graduate Programs
7.4 Undergraduate Programs
7.5 Conferences and Schools
7.6 Courses for Non-Science Majors
7.7 Massive Open Online Classes
7.8 Teaching Materials and Books
References
8. Genetics, Ethics, and Mars Colonization: A Special Case of Gene Editing and Population Forces in Space Settlement
Konrad Szocik, Margaret Boone Rappaport and Christopher Corbally
8.1 Introduction
8.1.1 The Complex Relationship Between Population Forces and Ethics
8.1.2 Humans Evolving on Earth and Mars
8.1.3 Bioenhancements: Science, Technology, and Ethics
8.1.4 A Set of Astrobioethical Guidelines for Off-World Exploration
8.2 Population Forces and the Ethical Issues They Raise
8.2.1 Natural Selection and Genetic Drift on Mars
8.2.2 Contrasting and Convergent Population Forces. on Earth and Mars
8.2.3 Population Forces When Humans Colonize Mars, the Asteroids, and Outer Planets
8.3 Ethical Issues Implied by Population Forces and Genome Modification
8.3.1 Selection of Interplanetary Migrants Based on Invasive Genetic Procedures
8.3.2 Required Pre-Settlement Genetic Remediation
8.3.3 Moral Context for Genetic Engineering for Space
8.4 Case Types for Off-World Population Change and Their Ethical Implications 8.4.1 The Case of the Isolated Space Colony
8.4.2 The Case of an Inclusivist or Exclusivist Space Colony: Science, Research, Intelligence
8.4.3 The Case of the Space Refuge as an Ethically Expensive Option
8.4.4 The Case of the Formation of a New Species of Human
8.5 Religious Ethics and Population Forces
8.6 Conclusions
Acknowledgement
References
9. Constructing a Space Ethics Upon Natural Law Ethics
Brian Patrick Green
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Space Ethics and Natural Law Ethics
9.3 A Natural Law Ethics Including Space
9.4 The Disadvantages, Ambiguities, and Advantages of a Natural Law Space Ethics
9.5 Conclusion
References
10. Two Elephants in the Room of Astrobiology
Jensine Andresen
Abbreviations
10.1 Identifying the Two Elephants
10.2 The Phenomenon Elephant
10.3 The Weaponization Elephant
10.4 U.S. Government Spending on Weapons for Space
10.5 The Military-Industrial Complex Operates Under Euphemisms Citing “Government-Industry” Linkages
10.6 How the Two Elephants Are Connected
10.7 The Astroethics Public Policy Path Forward
References
11. Microbial Life, Ethics and the Exploration of Space Revisited
Charles S. Cockell
11.1 Introduction
11.2 Critiques of Intrinsic Value
11.2.1 The Argument from Existing Destruction
11.2.2 The Argument from Sheer Numbers
11.2.3 The Argument from Impracticality
11.2.4 The Argument from Prevailing View
11.2.5 The Argument from Respect
11.3 What of Intrinsic Value?
11.4 Adjudicating Other Interests
11.5 Do We Need a Cosmocentric Ethic for Microbial-Type Life?
11.6 Conclusions
References
12. Astrobiology, the United Nations, and Geopolitics
Linda Billings
12.1 Introduction
12.2 What is Astrobiology?
12.3 Ethical Issues in Astrobiology
12.4 Astrobiology and Planetary Protection
12.5 Conflicting Ideologies
12.6 International Cooperation—or Not?
12.7 Conclusions
References
13. An Ethical Assessment of SETI, METI, and the Value of Our Planetary Home
Chelsea Haramia and Julia DeMarines
13.1 A Brief History of SETI and METI
13.2 Ethical Analyses of SETI and METI
13.3 Ethical Proposals for the Road Ahead
References
14. The Axiological Dimension of Planetary Protection
Erik Persson
14.1 Introduction
14.2 The Relation Between the Epistemic and the Axiological Dimensions of Planetary Protection
14.3 The Axiological Dimension of Planetary Protection Today
14.4 The Nature of Epistemic Values
14.5 The Outer Space Treaty and the Axiological Dimension of Planetary Protection
14.6 The Axiological Dimension of Planetary Protection – Historical Background
14.7 Ethics and Planetary Protection
14.8 Competing Values – Planetary Protection and the Commercial Use of Space
14.9 Conclusions
References
15. Who Speaks for Humanity? The Need for a Single Political Voice
Ian A. Crawford
15.1 Introduction
15.2 The Need for Global Decision-Making in an Astrobiological Context
15.3 Some Socio-Political Implications of Astrobiological Perspectives
15.4 Who Speaks for Humanity? Building Appropriate Political Institutions for Space Activities
15.4.1 A World Space Agency
15.4.2 Strengthening the United Nations for the Governance of Space Activities 15.4.3 Space Activities in the Context of a Future World Government
15.5 Conclusions
References
16. Interstellar Ethics and the Goldilocks Evolutionary Sequence: Can We Expect ETI to Be Moral?
Margaret Boone Rappaport, Christopher Corbally and Konrad Szocik
16.1 Introduction
16.1.1 The Little Broached Question of Ethics
16.2 Astronomical Detection of Possible Life
16.2.1 The Complex Relationship Between Signals and Ethics
16.2.2 Astronomical Signal Detection, the Goldilocks Zone, Habitation, and Ethics 16.2.2.1 Exoplanets
16.2.2.2 Exoplanets in the Goldilocks Zone
16.2.2.3 Exoplanets, Oxygen, and the 'Red Edge'
16.2.2.4 The Great Leap from Plant Cover to Ethics
16.3 Operationalizing Human Neurological Features for an ETI Vetting Protocol
16.3.1 Parallel Moral Assessments by Host and Visitor
16.3.2 Anthropocene or ‘Adolescence’?
16.3.3 Vetting ETIs: Friend or Foe? Right vs. Wrong
16.3.4 Rationale and Approach: Operationalizing Human Neurology to Assess ETIs
16.3.4.1 Theory of Mind
16.3.4.2 Sequence of Evolutionary Innovations: Logical, Determinate, Systemic
16.3.4.3 Cultural, Moral, and Religious Capacities-How Important and in What Order?
16.3.4.4 Assessing ETIs for Culture
16.3.5 A Test for Neuroplasticity: The Clincher if We Have Time
16.4 Fictional Case Studies of Vetting ETIs
16.4.1 Examples from Film and Television
16.4.2 Case Study of the Film Arrival
16.5 Conclusion
References
17. Intrinsic Value, American Buddhism, and Potential Life on Saturn’s Moon Titan
Daniel Capper
17.1 Introduction
17.2 Titan and Possible Weird Life
17.3 Some Strengths and Limitations of the Intrinsic Value Concept
17.4 Buddhist Scriptures and the Search
for Extraterrestrial Life
17.5 American Buddhists and Life on Titan
17.6 Discussion
17.7 Conclusion
References
18. A Space Settler’s Bill of Rights
Russell Greenall-Sharp, David Kobza, Courtney Houston, Mohammad Allabbad, Jamie Staggs and James S.J. Schwartz
18.1 Introduction
18.2 Basic Physiological Needs
18.3 Physical and Psychological Well-Being
18.4 Freedom of Expression
18.5 Privacy
18.6 Reproductive Autonomy
18.7 Vocational and Educational Liberty
18.8 Communication
18.9 Constrained Dissent
18.10 Self-Governance and Revisability
18.11 Conclusion
Index
References
Back to Top
Foreword
Preface
1. Astrobioethics: Epistemological, Astrotheological, and Interplanetary Issues Octavio A. Chon Torres
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Epistemological Issue
1.3 Astrotheological Issue
1.4 Interplanetary Issue
1.5 Conclusions
References
2. Astroethics for Earthlings: Our Responsibility to the Galactic Commons Ted Peters
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Laying the Foundation for an Astroethics of Responsibility
2.2.1 First Foundational Question: Who Are We?
2.2.2 Second Foundational Question: What Do We Value?
2.2.2.1 Science and Value
2.2.2.2 Religious Reliance on the Common Good
2.2.2.3 A Secular Grounding for Astroethics?
2.2.3 Third Foundational Question: What Should We Do?
2.2.3.1 From Quandary to Responsibility
2.2.3.2 From Space Sanctuary to Galactic Commons
2.3 Astroethical Quandaries Arising Within the Solar Neighborhood
2.3.1 Does Planetary Protection Apply Equally to Both Earth and Off-Earth Locations?
2.3.2 Does Off-Earth Life Have Intrinsic Value?
2.3.3 Should Astroethicists Adopt the Precautionary Principle?
2.3.4 Who’s Responsible for Space Debris?
2.3.5 How Should We Govern Satellite Surveillance?
2.3.6 Should We Weaponize Space?
2.3.7 Which Should Have Priority: Scientific Research or Making a Profit?
2.3.8 Should We Earthlings Terraform Mars?
2.3.9 Should We Establish Human Settlements on Mars?
2.3.10 How Do We Protect Earth from the Sky?
2.4 Levels
2.4.1 What is Our Responsibility Toward of Intelligence in the Milky Way Metropolis
Intellectually Inferior ETI?
2.4.2 What is Our Responsibility Toward Peer ETI?
2.4.3 What is Our Responsibility Toward Superior ETI or Even Post-Biological Intelligence?
2.5 Conclusion
References
3. Moral Philosophy for a Second Genesis
Julian Chela-Flores
3.1 Moral Philosophy on Earth and Elsewhere
3.1.1 The Origin of Ethics and Its Universal Relevance
3.1.2 Why Should We Act Morally?
3.1.3 Is a New Morality Needed for Astrobiological Explorations?
3.2 Identifying the Lack of Ethical Substance in Science Communication
3.2.1 Understanding the Boundaries of Knowledge
3.2.2 Implications of the Limits and Horizons of Science
3.3 Going from Astrobiology to Astrobioethics: A Big Step for Science and Humanism
3.3.1 The Pathway from Ethics to Bioethics and to Astrobioethics
3.3.2 The Question of the Role of Ethics in Astrobiology
3.4 Would There Be New Ethical Principles if There Were a Second Genesis?
3.4.1 Inevitability of the Emergence of a Particular Biosignature
3.4.2 Universalizable Ethical Criteria
3.5 Astrobioethics is Subject to Constraints on Chance
3.5.1 Not All Genes Are Equally Significant Targets for Evolution
3.5.2 Evolutionary Changes Are Constrained
3.6 How Are We Going to Treat Non-Human Life Away from the Earth?
3.6.1 Can Ethical Behavior Be Extended into a Cosmic Context
3.6.2 Instrumentation for the Search of Life
3.7 Ethical Principles in Early Proposals for the Search for Non-Human Life in the Solar System
3.7.1 Ethical Considerations in Previous Research in the Solar System
3.7.2 Instrumentation That Might Harm Exo-Microorganisms
3.8 Conclusion
Glossary
References
4. Who Goes There? When Astrobiology Challenges Humans
Jacques Arnould
4.1 Introduction
4.2 The Copernican Revolution
4.3 Religious Reactions to the Copernican Revolution
4.4 Astrobiology and Speculation
4.5 Heretics
4.6 The Many Worlds Hypothesis
4.7 Desecration of Planets Beyond Earth
4.8 The Precautionary Principle
4.9 The Sacred Beyond Earth
4.10 Who Goes There?
4.11 Conclusion: The Astrobiological Apocalypse
Furher Readings
5. Social and Ethical Currents in Astrobiological Debates
Kelly C. Smith
5.1 Introductory Musings
5.2 Uncertainty Opens the Door
5.3 Time Frames
5.4 Conceptual Frames
5.4.1 Error Avoiders vs. Optimizers
5.4.2 Ecologicals vs. Anthropocentrists
5.4.3 Communalists vs. Commercialists
5.5 Complications, Connections, and CYA
5.6 A Concluding Thought
References
6. The Ethics of Biocontamination
Tony Milligan
6.1 The Beresheet Tardigrades
6.2 Our Conflicting Intuitions
6.3 The Intelligibility of Microbial Value
6.4 Contamination and Discovery
6.5 Conclusion
References
7. Astrobiology Education: Inspiring Diverse Audiences with the Search for Life in the Universe
Chris Impey
7.1 The State of Astrobiology
7.2 Astrobiology as a Profession
7.3 Graduate Programs
7.4 Undergraduate Programs
7.5 Conferences and Schools
7.6 Courses for Non-Science Majors
7.7 Massive Open Online Classes
7.8 Teaching Materials and Books
References
8. Genetics, Ethics, and Mars Colonization: A Special Case of Gene Editing and Population Forces in Space Settlement
Konrad Szocik, Margaret Boone Rappaport and Christopher Corbally
8.1 Introduction
8.1.1 The Complex Relationship Between Population Forces and Ethics
8.1.2 Humans Evolving on Earth and Mars
8.1.3 Bioenhancements: Science, Technology, and Ethics
8.1.4 A Set of Astrobioethical Guidelines for Off-World Exploration
8.2 Population Forces and the Ethical Issues They Raise
8.2.1 Natural Selection and Genetic Drift on Mars
8.2.2 Contrasting and Convergent Population Forces. on Earth and Mars
8.2.3 Population Forces When Humans Colonize Mars, the Asteroids, and Outer Planets
8.3 Ethical Issues Implied by Population Forces and Genome Modification
8.3.1 Selection of Interplanetary Migrants Based on Invasive Genetic Procedures
8.3.2 Required Pre-Settlement Genetic Remediation
8.3.3 Moral Context for Genetic Engineering for Space
8.4 Case Types for Off-World Population Change and Their Ethical Implications 8.4.1 The Case of the Isolated Space Colony
8.4.2 The Case of an Inclusivist or Exclusivist Space Colony: Science, Research, Intelligence
8.4.3 The Case of the Space Refuge as an Ethically Expensive Option
8.4.4 The Case of the Formation of a New Species of Human
8.5 Religious Ethics and Population Forces
8.6 Conclusions
Acknowledgement
References
9. Constructing a Space Ethics Upon Natural Law Ethics
Brian Patrick Green
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Space Ethics and Natural Law Ethics
9.3 A Natural Law Ethics Including Space
9.4 The Disadvantages, Ambiguities, and Advantages of a Natural Law Space Ethics
9.5 Conclusion
References
10. Two Elephants in the Room of Astrobiology
Jensine Andresen
Abbreviations
10.1 Identifying the Two Elephants
10.2 The Phenomenon Elephant
10.3 The Weaponization Elephant
10.4 U.S. Government Spending on Weapons for Space
10.5 The Military-Industrial Complex Operates Under Euphemisms Citing “Government-Industry” Linkages
10.6 How the Two Elephants Are Connected
10.7 The Astroethics Public Policy Path Forward
References
11. Microbial Life, Ethics and the Exploration of Space Revisited
Charles S. Cockell
11.1 Introduction
11.2 Critiques of Intrinsic Value
11.2.1 The Argument from Existing Destruction
11.2.2 The Argument from Sheer Numbers
11.2.3 The Argument from Impracticality
11.2.4 The Argument from Prevailing View
11.2.5 The Argument from Respect
11.3 What of Intrinsic Value?
11.4 Adjudicating Other Interests
11.5 Do We Need a Cosmocentric Ethic for Microbial-Type Life?
11.6 Conclusions
References
12. Astrobiology, the United Nations, and Geopolitics
Linda Billings
12.1 Introduction
12.2 What is Astrobiology?
12.3 Ethical Issues in Astrobiology
12.4 Astrobiology and Planetary Protection
12.5 Conflicting Ideologies
12.6 International Cooperation—or Not?
12.7 Conclusions
References
13. An Ethical Assessment of SETI, METI, and the Value of Our Planetary Home
Chelsea Haramia and Julia DeMarines
13.1 A Brief History of SETI and METI
13.2 Ethical Analyses of SETI and METI
13.3 Ethical Proposals for the Road Ahead
References
14. The Axiological Dimension of Planetary Protection
Erik Persson
14.1 Introduction
14.2 The Relation Between the Epistemic and the Axiological Dimensions of Planetary Protection
14.3 The Axiological Dimension of Planetary Protection Today
14.4 The Nature of Epistemic Values
14.5 The Outer Space Treaty and the Axiological Dimension of Planetary Protection
14.6 The Axiological Dimension of Planetary Protection – Historical Background
14.7 Ethics and Planetary Protection
14.8 Competing Values – Planetary Protection and the Commercial Use of Space
14.9 Conclusions
References
15. Who Speaks for Humanity? The Need for a Single Political Voice
Ian A. Crawford
15.1 Introduction
15.2 The Need for Global Decision-Making in an Astrobiological Context
15.3 Some Socio-Political Implications of Astrobiological Perspectives
15.4 Who Speaks for Humanity? Building Appropriate Political Institutions for Space Activities
15.4.1 A World Space Agency
15.4.2 Strengthening the United Nations for the Governance of Space Activities 15.4.3 Space Activities in the Context of a Future World Government
15.5 Conclusions
References
16. Interstellar Ethics and the Goldilocks Evolutionary Sequence: Can We Expect ETI to Be Moral?
Margaret Boone Rappaport, Christopher Corbally and Konrad Szocik
16.1 Introduction
16.1.1 The Little Broached Question of Ethics
16.2 Astronomical Detection of Possible Life
16.2.1 The Complex Relationship Between Signals and Ethics
16.2.2 Astronomical Signal Detection, the Goldilocks Zone, Habitation, and Ethics 16.2.2.1 Exoplanets
16.2.2.2 Exoplanets in the Goldilocks Zone
16.2.2.3 Exoplanets, Oxygen, and the 'Red Edge'
16.2.2.4 The Great Leap from Plant Cover to Ethics
16.3 Operationalizing Human Neurological Features for an ETI Vetting Protocol
16.3.1 Parallel Moral Assessments by Host and Visitor
16.3.2 Anthropocene or ‘Adolescence’?
16.3.3 Vetting ETIs: Friend or Foe? Right vs. Wrong
16.3.4 Rationale and Approach: Operationalizing Human Neurology to Assess ETIs
16.3.4.1 Theory of Mind
16.3.4.2 Sequence of Evolutionary Innovations: Logical, Determinate, Systemic
16.3.4.3 Cultural, Moral, and Religious Capacities-How Important and in What Order?
16.3.4.4 Assessing ETIs for Culture
16.3.5 A Test for Neuroplasticity: The Clincher if We Have Time
16.4 Fictional Case Studies of Vetting ETIs
16.4.1 Examples from Film and Television
16.4.2 Case Study of the Film Arrival
16.5 Conclusion
References
17. Intrinsic Value, American Buddhism, and Potential Life on Saturn’s Moon Titan
Daniel Capper
17.1 Introduction
17.2 Titan and Possible Weird Life
17.3 Some Strengths and Limitations of the Intrinsic Value Concept
17.4 Buddhist Scriptures and the Search
for Extraterrestrial Life
17.5 American Buddhists and Life on Titan
17.6 Discussion
17.7 Conclusion
References
18. A Space Settler’s Bill of Rights
Russell Greenall-Sharp, David Kobza, Courtney Houston, Mohammad Allabbad, Jamie Staggs and James S.J. Schwartz
18.1 Introduction
18.2 Basic Physiological Needs
18.3 Physical and Psychological Well-Being
18.4 Freedom of Expression
18.5 Privacy
18.6 Reproductive Autonomy
18.7 Vocational and Educational Liberty
18.8 Communication
18.9 Constrained Dissent
18.10 Self-Governance and Revisability
18.11 Conclusion
Index
References
Back to Top