June 20, 1969 marks the event well known as one giant leap for mankind – the day when man first landed on the moon. The success of this historic event sparked the seemingly boundless quest to discover extraterrestrial (ET) beings on planets other than our own planet Earth. Questions have been raised on whether these creatures live under similar conditions to humans, or whether their existence has been influenced by their planet’s own, unique environment and thus appearing physically and biologically different. Even more questions have been raised on whether it is realistic, beneficial or ethical to continue the pursuit.
As a science enthusiast, I have much respect towards the cutting edge, groundbreaking endeavors occupying scientists currently. It is fascinating to see intelligent minds coming together to perform exemplary work – consequently resulting in a more widespread and detailed understanding and advancement of human kind. In the future, even I can imagine participating in such research. However, there is one common factor in research of all fields. Humans. Each and every discovery and technological improvement is geared towards the betterment of the human race. Whether it be directly such as refining the ways in which cancer patients are treated or indirectly such as understanding the biological functions of the frog brain to better comprehend our own, the ultimate benefactor is us. Of course, by being human there definitely is a “selfish”, self-preserving aspect our character. But by looking meticulously at our society, we tend to cater our actions to benefit ourselves and what we call our own. Whether it be our own family, our own friends, our own race, our own sexual orientation, or even our own political party. We more often than not do not willingly introduce ourselves to someone, something, or a situation that is foreign. In fact, we even find it uncomfortable to sit next to an unknown person in a public place no matter how welcoming and decent they look. We savor our comfort zone and are threatened by that which is even ever so slightly different.
Despite acknowledging this inherent human characteristic, we seek to venture out into the unknown to find what is unknown. Seems counterintuitive knowing that we like to stay in our own bubble and even find it uncomfortable interacting with other unknown humans. So why are we really looking for extraterrestrial life? Scientists say with a widespread grin and earthshattering confidence and excitement that by studying ET life forms, we will be able to better understand the origins of our own race. Again, who is the beneficiary? Humans.
The topic of ET is a well-known and prevalent theme in Hollywood. Aliens appearing as disgusting, deformed, monstrous villains seeking to dominate Earth. While other movies, show exaggerated scenes of scientists running inhumane experiments usually resulting in the full body mutilation of aliens to fastidiously explore the biology of aliens. In fact, and even ironically, aliens are used as a mode through which authors discuss and argue the countless discrimination issues plaguing our society today. Because of this, the general public has a positive view on the benefits of extraterrestrial life exploration but a negative view on aliens themselves. Who is to say that we won’t treat aliens we come across with the same predisposed, threatened, immoral, and violent manner?
This brings us to Astro-ethics. The field of Astro-ethics defines and discusses the ways in which we will come in contact with ET life forms. How do we treat aliens? Do aliens have rights? What are these rights and how do we define them? It is extremely important to consider the ethical implications behind this quest. These are living beings, not simply lifeless, emotionless, and thoughtless pawns of science. First, we must change the public view of aliens into one that is appreciative and respectful. We must understand that what is different is not necessarily dangerous. We must educate ourselves on the colossal impact such contact will have on our world. We must prepare ourselves to see the unusual and fathom the unfathomable with utmost objectivity, care, and reverence.
Scientific advancement is inevitable. The human curiosity will eventually overcome. However, we must use media to shed new, positive light on aliens instead of exaggerating our fears. It is ironic and astonishing to think that a species that is threatened by the differences in their own species will readily accept the differences found in a separate, but similar functioning species. It is time that we look past our human-centered views of life, our egotistic reasons to explore aliens and learn to be truly interested in the other species with an objective mindset. Before that we have to learn to embrace the dissimilarities rather than fear them. Because it will be more than disappointing to see humans, yet again, reflect the ubiquitous superiority complex that we just can’t seem to forgo.
