Team:Brown-Stanford/SynEthics/Videos/WillMarshall

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Latest revision as of 05:35, 28 September 2011

The Ethics of Synthetic Biology and the Settlement of Space

Videos

Introduction

Summary

Dr. William Marshall is a research fellow in the Small Spacecraft Office at NASA Ames Research Center, and a Science and Security Fellow at the Space Policy Institute of George Washington University. In particular, his interests are in mission planning, spacecraft testing for a variety of microsatellite missions, and the global security implications of space strategy.

(0:05) Why should humanity expand into space?
Dr. Marshall states that the fundamental motive for space expansion is risk mitigation and survival. He outlines a difference between a threat to civilization and a threat to existence.

(1:23) How sound is the "survival" argument for space exploration?
Dr. Marshall believes that an argument based on species self-preservation is, in a sense, an extension of our tribal instincts. We urges us to explore the purely rational reasons for why humanity should survive and outlines two potential arguments: that life is rare, and that our existence is intrinsically valuable for our ability to grasp and understand the universe.

(3:15) Where in space do you think we should go?
Dr. Marshall argues that the Moon, not Mars, is the most logical destination for space expansion.

(4:44) What is an ethical argument against going to Mars?
Dr. Marshall outlines why the danger of contamination and disrupting a Martian ecosystem would be of cosmic significance.

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-Dr. Lynn Rothschild is the dedicated faculty advisor of the Brown-Stanford iGEM team, Chief Scientist for Synthetic Biology at NASA Ames Research Center, and career astrobiologist. Her research interests include extremophiles and the effects of UV radiation, altitude, and other stresses on microorganisms.
-(0:06) '''Why is synthetic biology good for space exploration?'''
+Dr. William Marshall is a research fellow in the Small Spacecraft Office at NASA Ames Research Center, and a Science and Security Fellow at the Space Policy Institute of George Washington University. In particular, his interests are in mission planning, spacecraft testing for a variety of microsatellite missions, and the global security implications of space strategy.
-Dr. Rothschild covers the three primary advantages of biological systems over mechanical ones in space- they can grow, self repair, and self replicate.
-(1:51) '''What are the ethics of space exploration?'''
+(0:05) '''Why should humanity expand into space?''' <br>
-Dr. Rothschild expresses the belief that going into space is ethically sound. She also frames the concern about disturbing alien life in terms of scientific value.
+Dr. Marshall states that the fundamental motive for space expansion is risk mitigation and survival. He outlines a difference between a threat to civilization and a threat to existence.
-(4:12) '''Could we genetically engineer alien lifeforms?'''
+(1:23) '''How sound is the "survival" argument for space exploration?''' <br>
-Dr. Rothschild discusses the possibility of engineering alien organisms, drawing parallels to research on Earth.
+Dr. Marshall believes that an argument based on species self-preservation is, in a sense, an extension of our tribal instincts. We urges us to explore the purely rational reasons for why humanity should survive and outlines two potential arguments: that life is rare, and that our existence is intrinsically valuable for our ability to grasp and understand the universe.
-(5:40) '''What if life in the universe is truly rare?'''
+(3:15) '''Where in space do you think we should go?''' <br>
-Dr. Rothschild describes the ethical responsibility we would have to humanity, life on Earth, and life in the Universe.
+Dr. Marshall argues that the Moon, not Mars, is the most logical destination for space expansion.
-(6:23) '''Any last words for iGEMers?'''
+(4:44) '''What is an ethical argument against going to Mars?''' <br>
-Dr. Rothschild’s advice on how to use the tools of synthetic biology.
+Dr. Marshall outlines why the danger of contamination and disrupting a Martian ecosystem would be of cosmic significance.