Let's Talk About Space, Baby! Interplanetary Philosophy and New Rules for a Spacefaring Species

In the age of billionaire-owed private rocket companies, mega satellite constellations and militarized space forces, humanity is entering a new space age.  By examining humanity’s historical relationship with the stars, we can find a deeper calling for an egalitarian approach to space exploration, one that protects our planet’s orbital environment and sets space travel on a path towards equality, not exploitation. 

Mathana, a tech ethicist and philosopher of outer space, will lay out principles for a new type of philosophical approach to the space age that combines anthropological exploration, social activism and political advocacy that can help humanity forge a species-level approach to our journey off our home planet.

Beyond principles for responsible technological development, and ‘first contact protocols’ for how humanity can responsibility prepare to encounter extraterrestrial life, Mathana will discuss how we can create interstellar imaginaries about future space exploration. The time is now to increase our care model regarding the future of humanity in space, and to recognize steps we can take to be better stewards of both our planet and solar system.