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Conceptual discussion around the notion of the human being as an inter and multiplanetary species

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 June 2021

Octavio Alfonso Chon-Torres*
Affiliation:
Programa de Estudios Generales, Universidad de Lima, Lima, Peru
César Andreé Murga-Moreno
Affiliation:
Asociación Peruana de Astrobiología, Lima, Peru Laboratorio de Inmunología e Investigación, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de Cajamarca, Cajamarca, Peru
*
Author for correspondence: Octavio Alfonso Chon-Torres, E-mail: ochon@ulima.edu.pe

Abstract

The current advances in our exploration of Mars have made us think of the human species as a multiplanetary species. However, we have certain challenges before we can truly consider ourselves such a species, especially moral ones. Therefore, astrobioethics would be the right one to examine what it takes to consider ourselves a multiplanetary species. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the meaning and significance of being an inter- and multiplanetary species. To achieve this, a philosophical and critical analysis will be made, using as input aspects of biology, ethics and moral community. We conclude that to be a truly multiplanetary species, more than the technological aspects that allow us to reach other planets, a change at different levels will be needed.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press

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