We began here:
The Theory of Biophilia (O’Grady, 2018) which posits:
Within the Earth’s biosphere, all species both non-human and human are inextricably linked and innately motivated to consistently focus on and to interact with other species. When these motivations to focus on and to interact with other species demonstrate the characteristics of awe, reverence, respect, and/or empathy, these inter-species interests and interactions can be mutually beneficial psychologically, biologically, emotionally, and spiritually in ways that encourage the species’ survival, evolution, development, and ability to flourish. Conversely, when these inter-species interests and interactions exhibit characteristics that are indicative of egocentrism, self-serving biases, devaluation, and domination of one species by or over another species, the outcomes can be catastrophic not only for that specific interspecies exchange but also across the entire biosphere resulting in the decimation, destruction, and/or extinction of both known and yet-to-be discovered species.
We progressed to here:
The Theory of Astrophilia (Markey, 2019) which posits:
The Theory of Astrophilia suggests that sentience as defined as a capacity to feel, perceive or experience subjectively combined with awareness as defined as a recognition of what we are not, provide the means through which we are inextricably linked with, and innately motivated to seek out the ‘other’ with whom we share the Universe.”
We have recently launched:
The Theory of Space Societies and Cosma Cultures which posits:
The Theory of Space Societies and Cosma Cultures suggests that “society” and “culture” are concepts that are not indigenous to the Earth nor geographically bound to a particular location “Beyond Earth’s Borders.” Ultimately, and out of necessity for survival and to provide an ability or opportunity to flourish, interstellar Space travel and interplanetary colonization will result in the evolution of Space Societies and Cosma Cultures that arise from the influence of environmental factors and unique perspectives existing in the Universe which impact the physiological, psychological, emotional, and spiritual well-being of human and non-human species, such as (but not limited to), language and communication, genetics, reproduction, movement and mobility, conflict management and resolution, psychological and emotional challenges, etc. Note that Space Societies and Cosma Cultures will not exist only Beyond Earth’s Borders but will impact the societies and cultures that exist here on Earth scientifically, creatively, and artistically.
Suggested Topics for the future International Astrophilia Conference research projects, presentations and publication:
- Cognitive Shifts, such as the “Overview Effect,” “Spaceship Earth,” and the commonality shared by the celestial bodies of stars, planets, galaxies, etc.
- Communication and Mutations in Language, such as vocabulary, grammar and syntax
- Terminology/word Choice, such as Interplanetary “Colonization” versus Interplanetary “ – What’s the difference?
- Transhumanism, Longevity and Immortality
- Human, All Too Human and Posthuman
- AI Influences regarding Higher Education and Job Security
- Space Ethics, such as risks to astronauts, threats posed by space debris, forward contamination, and backward contamination
- Ethics of Space Colonization, such as resource mining – Principles Governing the Activities of Participants in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space and Celestial Bodies
- Space as a Strategic Asset
- Conflict Management and Conflict Resolution Strategies
- Trade-offs – Justifications or the Cost-Benefit Analyses, such as funding Space exploration versus improving the health and well-being of the Earth’s residents
- Benefits of Space for Humankind
- Star Trek’s Prime Directive
- Space Law – International Treaties versus the Potential Necessity of Interstellar Treaties
- Intimate Relationships in Space
- Evolution of the “Family” Construct beyond two genetic parents, step-parents and adoptive parents to include multiple genetic parents, surrogate parents, and the role of AI in raising children
- Space Babies
- Challenges of Having Children in Space
- Embryo Space Colonization
- Raising Children in Space
Interplanetary Colonization: Beyond Getting There:
Major Considerations:
- Motivation: Is it a dream or a necessity?
- Have we exceeded the tipping point of the human environmental footprint on Earth?
- Would the colonization of another planet have a positive impact on the quality of life of humans on Earth?
- Would the development of technological advances related to Space exploration and interplanetary colonization influence life on Earth and deliver unintended benefits?
- Would interplanetary colonization offer humans an opportunity to grow as a civilization and change the ways in which we interact with and exploit our environment (Biophilia)?
- What opportunities and challenges would living on another planet would be presented, and how would humans as a specie respond to them?
- What socioeconomic and political order will emerge and evolve as the population of colonists continues to grow?
- Will it be possible for humans to avoid repeating the mistakes that were made when colonizing the planet Earth?
- While meeting the challenges of interstellar travel and interplanetary colonization are major accomplishments, it is only the beginning of organizing and maintaining a colony in Space. Some of those challenges could include but not be limited to the following:
- Do Earth’s laws regarding Space exploration, colonization and governance apply to other celestial bodies?
- How will the question of sovereignty of permanent colonies on other celestial bodies be articulated or defined?
- How will human rights and overall well-being be ensured, particularly when the first colonists are likely to be undertaking a “one-way” endeavor”?
- As the colonist population grows, what is the likelihood that some form of criminal justice system will need to be established?
- Advocacy for other celestial bodies: Is it at all ethical to colonize them?
- Do colonists have a right to extract and utilize extra-terrestrial resources to guarantee sustainability and financial gain, such as mining extra-terrestrial material and energy resources?