Convergences in the Ethics of Space Exploration
Brian Patrick Green
Abstract
Abstract This chapter outlines the ethical frameworks provided by some of the leading figures in the contemporary debate on space exploration, identifying resonances between their views and traditional concepts in ethical philosophy such as natural law and virtue theory. One of the first deep similarities apparent to the ethical frameworks of these leading figures is that, to a certain extent, living things should just be left to be—that is, not meddled with, allowed to pursue their own ends. The second deep similarity between these ethics is that sometimes one ought to help things grow. As a third deep similarity is all of these ethics issues acknowledge that problems appear when one organism’s natural goals conflict with those of another organism. This, then, promotes the idea that one should avoid conflicts that harm other living things. Ultimately, despite their differences, these ethics converge on a broadly applicable ethical framework: protect alien life in proportion to its capacity for excellence.