The Ethics of Space Colonization

Space Exploration

The feat of becoming a multi-planetary species represents the pinnacle of technological, political, and social achievements. The arrival of this event in the semi-near future is a very exciting premise. A debate exists over whether we should fix the issues on Earth before expanding our reach to other planets. 

Environmental Ethics 

Many environmental philosophers would argue that care for the wellbeing of the environment of Earth and its citizens should be a priority over interplanetary exploration and colonization. Biocentrism emphasizes the importance of the wellbeing of all life: plants, animals, humans. Paul Taylor’s Biocentric Egalitarianism states that all life has intrinsic value and therefore deserve the protection provided by humanity. Space exploration could be seen as a disregard for earthly nature and a lack of recognition of ethical significance of preexisting ecosystems. On the other hand, it could be ethical for the spread of life across planets and in the best interest of all of earth’s biological organisms by protecting them from a near extinction event e.g. an asteroid impact.  

Justice Theories for Space 

Justice is important to consider when expanding civilization outward to space. In this scenario, justice details the distribution of resources, the accessibility of space traveling technologies, and the expansion of nations into space. The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 prohibits the colonization of space, exploration should be for the benefit of humanity, and it should be peaceful. Rawlsian Justice would advocate for an equal allocation of resources between both Earth and Mars which would serve as a compromise between binaries.  

Intergenerational Ethics and Responsibilities for Future Generations 

Ensuring the survival of future generations and life should be an ethical consideration undertaken by humanity. Expansion to Mars and beyond is a primary method of guaranteeing the survival of humanity by spreading the population as a protective measure; in other words, not keeping all the eggs in one basket. Doing so could be a moral way of protecting the unborn. Projects such as Mars colonization should be done transparently, sustainably, and inclusively to avoid leaving future generations environmental ruin and a failing system.   

Existentialist Theories

Existentialist philosophers Sartre and Camus would agree that space exploration is beneficial for humanity, and even a purpose for human life, because it is a rebellion against the absurdity of the universe, creating meaning where there is none. When we gaze into the night sky, the vast emptiness mirrors the absurd and the cosmic insignificance of humans in comparison to everything else. Space exploration, from an absurdist’s view, is a refusal to accept the limitations of our species potential, and an action reaching beyond oneself and the familiar into the unknown. It is a form of meaning to create hope for humanity despite the absurdity. Even so, we should be cautious that space exploration does not become a form of escapism and neglect for the ethical burdens on earth. If space exploration is used to abandon Earth’s ecological and social responsibilities, it undermines its own philosophical justification. 

Space Exploration Can Coexist with Earth Development 

Humanity should prioritize a system of dual responsibility, fulfilling the existentialist drive both on Earth and beyond by pushing the boundaries of technology to ensure a better future. We can think of this moment in history with a metaphor of the Roman God Janus who has two heads, one looking into the past (Earth) and the other into the future (Mars) and treat both endeavors with equal resolve.