Konrad Szocik contests the arguments supporting space colonization and underscores overlooked dimensions of social justice and equity. The primary critique orbits around the arguments of Milan M. Ćirković, who previously dismissed skepticism concerning space colonization, but failed to consider arguments rooted in social justice and equal access. The author points out that the endeavors of space exploration and colonization could inadvertently amplify existing inequalities, transforming these ventures into projects that serve only a fraction of humanity.
The article challenges the comparison Ćirković makes between skepticism about space colonization and hypothetical skepticism about ancestral migrations, arguing that it overlooks the significant disparities between Earth’s physical conditions and those of outer space. Furthermore, the author urges an investigation into the potential impacts of space settlement on equality and access, arguing that the current discourse is dominated by Western perspectives, which may not account for the marginalized and excluded. The author worries that space colonization could simply replicate existing terrestrial injustices, serving only the most privileged while leaving the poorest and most vulnerable behind.
The paper highlights the fear that space settlement, seen as a refuge from Earth’s deteriorating conditions, could be exclusively reserved for the rich or citizens of spacefaring superpowers. This exclusive access could potentially undermine the very purpose of space settlement as a rescue for humanity. Moreover, the author suggests that this enterprise, given the current technical capabilities, might only be realistic for a relatively small number of people. This selectivity questions the moral value of such a venture, particularly if it detracts from efforts to mitigate climate change for the most disadvantaged.
Delving into the philosophical realm, this article brings to the fore the philosophical implications of space settlement, sparking a dialogue reminiscent of John Rawls’ “Theory of Justice”. The highlighted concerns closely echo the principles of fairness and equality in distribution, pointing to a possible “veil of ignorance” in planning space colonization. Similarly, the author’s argument about the unjust distribution of access to space colonization echoes Thomas Pogge’s ideas on global justice and how the actions of some nations can profoundly affect others. This dialogue expands the scope of philosophy and underscores the importance of inclusive ethics in a rapidly advancing technological world.
The discourse of this article presents new pathways for future research in the field of futures studies. Future research could evaluate more inclusive methods of space colonization, investigating alternatives to the currently anticipated elitist selection process. It could also examine the potential of international regulations to ensure equitable access to space resources. Additionally, research could explore the feasibility and ethics of a globally cooperative effort in space colonization. Overall, these directions aim to ensure that the bold ambition of space colonization aligns with the principles of social justice, thereby propelling humanity forward without leaving anyone behind.
Abstract
The subject of this paper is a continuation of the discussion initiated by Milan M. Ćirković. Ćirković criticized a number of arguments skeptical of the idea of space settlement. However, he omitted arguments referring to social justice and equal access, which, as this paper tries to show, are arguably the most serious skeptical remarks against the idea of space colonization. The paper emphasizes that both space exploration and, ultimately, potential space colonization run the risk of exacerbating inequality and, as such, are not projects pursued for all of humanity.
Space not for everyone: The problem of social exclusion in the concept of space settlement