Stories

Is colonizing other worlds arrogant vandalism or self-preservation?

Santa Clara University applied ethicist Brian Green decries as "necrotic ideology" the argument that humanity is headed to well-merited extinction and therefore should refrain from colonizing other worlds. Green instead argues that "self-preservation should be humankind's first ethical priority," so "rapid space settlement is necessary."

Since there is no morality without human beings, Green says, the most fundamental human moral obligation is to avoid extinction. And because colonizing other worlds reduces that risk, it is morally necessary.

Brian Green, director of technology ethics, quoted by Reason.