Humans Should Not Colonize Mars

Article Overview

• Journal: Journal of the American Philosophical Association
• Year: 2017
• DOI: 10.1017/apa.2017.26
• Author: Ian Stoner
• Main Thesis: Establishing a human presence on Mars is morally wrong due to two primary arguments:
  1. The principle constraining invasive/destructive scientific investigation.
  2. The principle of appropriate human behavior in wilderness.

Arguments Against Mars Colonization

1. Methodology in Space Ethics

• Practical Controversy-Centered Mode: Begins with widely held beliefs and draws conclusions readers might overlook.
• Theory-Centered Mode: Starts with a general theory and applies it to the practical question.
• Existing Work: Space ethics often uses theory-centered methods, which may not directly influence public discourse.

2. Popular Justifications for Mars Colonization

1. Resource Exploitation:

   • Mars is rich in resources, but mining asteroids is more cost-effective due to their relative accessibility.
   • Earth's mismanagement should not justify Martian exploitation.

2. Pioneering Nature:

   • Human nature's drive to explore does not justify colonization.
   • Expansionary drives need justification as they have historically led to morally questionable outcomes.

3. Experiments in Living:

   • Proposals for alternative societies could be pursued on Earth rather than Mars.
   • Mars is inhospitable compared to Earth's remaining unexplored areas.

4. Backup Planet:

   • Mars colonization is not the best solution for species survival.
   • Invest in planetary defenses on Earth instead.

5. Scientific Exploration:

   • Mars offers unique scientific opportunities, but colonization is not necessary for exploration.

3. Principle of Scientific Conservation

• Definition: Destructive investigation is permissible only if it doesn't threaten the object's value and if no alternatives exist.
• Mars Context: Human colonization would introduce Earth microbes, disrupting Martian science.
• Alternatives: Robotic probes offer less invasive methods for Martian exploration.

4. Tread Lightly Principle

• Definition: We should leave wilderness in a state indistinguishable from a scenario where we hadn't visited.
• Mars Context: Colonization risks permanently altering Mars, violating this principle.

Conclusion

• Colonizing Mars is morally wrong due to contamination risks and permanent alteration of its environment.
• Scientific values should guide our exploration efforts, not colonization.
• Ethical considerations should inform space exploration decisions, emphasizing preservation over colonization.