Meteors, Megacorperations, and Murder
School Name
South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics
Grade Level
12th Grade
Presentation Topic
Sociology
Presentation Type
Mentored
Abstract
This research centered on the discussion of ethical dilemmas in matters of astrobiology and space exploration. Due to the significant lack of legal precedent or ethical thought on matters in space, it is necessary to foster discussion to better handle potential situations that may arise. With wealthy individuals having plans in outer space, and discovery of extraterrestrial life expected soon, this is particularly pressing. The research consisted of reading prior discussions or writing in these areas, drafting cases and peer-reviewing with other research partners, and testing some outcomes through surveys. Employing these methods, three separate case studies were produced regarding issues of planetary value, outer-space labor relations, and legality versus ethicality when establishing space regulations. These case studies are designed to create discussion and discourse in an academic setting, and to bring the respective issues to light before real problems arise. Through the creation of these case studies insights were gained in terms of teaching perspectives, the basis or ethics as a whole, and the urgency of space ethics as an area of discussion. There is a wide variety of potential dilemmas regarding this issue, and this research only covers a small portion of space ethics.
Recommended Citation
Galaida, Stephen; Walker, Harrison; and Stolzenfeld, Nathan, "Meteors, Megacorperations, and Murder" (2022). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 117.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2022/all/117
Location
HSS 210
Start Date
4-2-2022 11:45 AM
Presentation Format
Oral Only
Group Project
Yes
Meteors, Megacorperations, and Murder
HSS 210
This research centered on the discussion of ethical dilemmas in matters of astrobiology and space exploration. Due to the significant lack of legal precedent or ethical thought on matters in space, it is necessary to foster discussion to better handle potential situations that may arise. With wealthy individuals having plans in outer space, and discovery of extraterrestrial life expected soon, this is particularly pressing. The research consisted of reading prior discussions or writing in these areas, drafting cases and peer-reviewing with other research partners, and testing some outcomes through surveys. Employing these methods, three separate case studies were produced regarding issues of planetary value, outer-space labor relations, and legality versus ethicality when establishing space regulations. These case studies are designed to create discussion and discourse in an academic setting, and to bring the respective issues to light before real problems arise. Through the creation of these case studies insights were gained in terms of teaching perspectives, the basis or ethics as a whole, and the urgency of space ethics as an area of discussion. There is a wide variety of potential dilemmas regarding this issue, and this research only covers a small portion of space ethics.
