Conference to challenge ethics and everything we know about life on Mars

Do we have an ethical duty to explore space or is it a waste of time and resources? Who owns space? What does it mean for our religious and spiritual belief systems if we find intelligent life forms elsewhere in the universe? 

These are just some of the themes participants will be pondering at Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE)’s Space, Philosophy and Ethics conference, being held Friday, October 13 to Saturday, October 14. For science-minded participants, the conference is a platform to discuss the subconscious philosophical and ethical implications of their research that has been in the back of their minds while researching. For philosophers and non-specialists, it is an opportunity to learn together and struggle to find solutions to the ethical quandaries that space science, exploration and technology present to humanity.

“This conference is where science, philosophy and theology collide,” said Dr. Bill Anderson, Professor of Pop Culture, Philosophy & Religion at CUE. “Both students and faculty with an interest in ethics and space will find value in this professional development opportunity.”

The conference costs $153.58 to attend but CUE staff and students have a chance to get that waived. Conference organizers have set aside free admissions for 15 faculty/staff and 15 students. Free admissions will be dispersed on a first-come, first-served basis and interested participants should apply online ASAP.

Dr. Chris Herd, a Professor in the Faculty of Science, Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, at the University of Alberta will present the keynote lecture on the topic of “The Search for Life on Mars: What on Earth Do We Know Today?” Dr. Herd is the Principal Director of the Institute for Space Science and Technology (ISSET) and a member of the NASA Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover mission. The keynote event is free to all members of the public and will be held at 7 p.m. in Tegler Students Centre at CUE on Friday, October 13.

“Part of our mission at CUE is to prepare students to be ethical leaders and this is a good way to encourage our students to consider the ethical implications of space exploration and beyond,” said Bill. 

More information about the conference can be found here.