Can we do better in space than we've done here on Earth?
We've pinpointed the destination, refined the technology, designed the
habitat, outfitted our space residents. Are we forgetting something? A
timely reminder that it's not just rocket science, this
thought-provoking book explores the all-too-human issues raised by the
prospect of settling in outer space. It's worth remembering, Erika
Nesvold suggests, that in making new worlds, we don't necessarily leave
our earthly problems behind. Accordingly, her work highlights the
complex ethical challenges that accompany any other-worldly
venture--questions about the environment, labor rights, and medical
ethics, among others.
Any such venture, Nesvold contends, must be made on behalf of all
humanity, with global input and collaboration. Off-Earth thus includes
historical and contemporary examples from outside the dominant
Western/US, abled, and privileged narrative of the space industry.
Nesvold calls on experts in ethics, sociology, history, social justice,
and law to launch a hopeful conversation about the potential ethical
pitfalls of becoming a multi-planet species--and, ideally, to shed light
on similar problems we presently face here on Earth.
Space settlement is rapidly becoming ever more likely. Will it look like
the utopian vision of Star Trek? Or the dark future of Star Wars?
Nesvold challenges us to decide.
