Space, Philosophy and Ethics [Hardback]

Space, Philosophy and Ethics

William H. U. Anderson (Ed.)

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Humanity continues to search for life outside the Earth, seeking insights into our origins, and to find out whether we are truly alone in the Universe. At the same time, humanity’s expanse beyond Earth is increasingly tangible. 'Space, Philosophy and Ethics' brings together a remarkably diverse set of essays. For the casual reader, it offers something of a ‘hitchhiker’s guide to the ethics of space’. For the ethicist/philosopher/futurist/serious space explorer, it offers building materials for an ethical framework for space exploration. Several essays examine the possible interactions between religious traditions and philosophies, and the unearthly space environment into which humans are poised to step. The impact on our traditions and philosophies is also considered, regardless of whether life—intelligent or otherwise—is there to greet us as we step further out into the cosmos. This book is a must for hardcore scientists, philosophers and lay people alike. Highly Recommended!

Dr. Chris Herd
Professor in the Faculty of Science, Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
University of Alberta
Principal Director of the Institute for Space Science and Technology (ISSET)
Member of the NASA Mars 2020 'Perseverance' Rover Mission

Space is infinitely interesting! Space has both scientific and cultural currency because it has captured the imagination of human beings from ancient times until today. What seemed like science fiction centuries and only decades ago, is now science fact. Technological developments present and on the cusp are putting more and more of space into our hands. That is both exciting and frightening at the same time (think Lovecraft)!
This book attempts to speak to the philosophical and ethical issues raised by space. Who owns space? Who should pay for space exploration and what is the impact on human beings on earth today? What happens if we’re not alone in the universe? What is the value and meaning of space exploration? What are the ethical implications of AI and Technology in relation to space exploration (what if they get away from us?!)? Questions! Questions! Questions!
The Call for Chapters for this book Space, Philosophy and Ethics read: “For space science people, this conference is a platform to discuss the subconscious philosophical and ethical implications of their research that have been in the back of their minds while researching. For philosophers and non-specialists, it is an opportunity to learn together and struggle to find solutions for the philosophical and ethical quandaries that space science, exploration and technology present to humanity”.
The approaches to space seem endless. Physics, as Aristotle discovered, inevitably leads to metaphysics, and metaphysics always have ethical concerns. The book loosely follows this outline. It begins and ends with the metaphysical implications of space, the spiritual, if you will. It leads with poetry. That seems appropriate since while we may ask many questions regarding space, we are likely to find very few answers. Then the book briefly looks at the ethical implications of AI and Technology for space exploration. There are chapters that deal with the material ethics of space commerce and ontology. Telos and Axiology (Value) are also explored. This book hopes to facilitate human struggle with the ethical implications of space rather than presuming to solve all its problems.

William H. U. Anderson did his Ph.D. in Biblical Studies and Theology in Postmodern Literary Critical Circles at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Bill is Professor of Pop Culture, Philosophy and Religion at Concordia University of Edmonton in Alberta, Canada. He is the author of 'Qoheleth and Its Pessimistic Theology: Hermeneutical Struggles in Wisdom Literature' (1997) and 'Scepticism and Ironic Correlations in the Joy Statements of Qoheleth?' (2010). He has worked interdisciplinarily throughout his academic career and this is his fifth edited volume with Vernon Press in the Philosophy of Religion Series. His next book with VP is Music and Mind, co-edited with his Musicology colleague Dr. Jamie Meyers-Riczu, slated for 2025.