Freuding, Manfred (2023) The Terraforming of Mars as Seen Through the Lens of Biocentrism and Ecocentrism. Masters thesis, University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
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Freuding, Manfred (2023) MA The Terraforming of Mars thesis.pdf - Accepted Version Available under License CC-BY-NC-ND Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (2MB) | Preview |
Abstract
This dissertation undertakes to investigate whether biocentrism and ecocentrism can serve as a viable ethical framework to guide human space exploration in general and the terraforming and colonisation of Mars in particular. The first part involves the provision of the necessary background information: the history and motives behind human space exploration and Mars colonisation, the reasons why anthropocentric approaches have failed the environment so far, the current Martian environment and the technical requirements of the terraforming process. The second part of the study focuses on presenting the principles of ecocentrism and biocentrism, to include a critical discussion of the criteria applied to award moral standing and of the practical aspects of the management of conflicts of interests in either theory. The last part, then, combines the findings of the previous research to establish that ecocentrism and biocentrism permit the terraforming of Mars – whether or not it contains indigenous life – provided that the rationale given is strong enough and the execution is such that respect for the environment and living things is guaranteed.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General) Q Science > QB Astronomy |
| Divisions: | Theses and Dissertations > Masters Dissertations |
| Depositing User: | Victoria Hankinson |
| Date Deposited: | 22 Apr 2024 14:10 |
| Last Modified: | 22 Apr 2024 14:10 |
| URI: | https://repository.uwtsd.ac.uk/id/eprint/2921 |
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