If possible, would terraforming Mars be ethical?

[DanS]

Lots of water found on Mars, but not much carbon dioxide. However, assuming that it were possible to create the necessary carbon dioxide, would terraforming Mars be ethical, or would leaving it be as nature created it be better?

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2003-02/danl-lam021303.php

Edit: The hypothetical includes the assumption that there are simple organisms on Mars that are unique to Mars.

[Boris Godunov]

There's nothing living on Mars. Ethics don't really concern non-living objects...

[SlowwHand]

Boris, you assume the present state.
Dan is asking a question of prospects.
You also assume nothing living. All we know is, nothing we know by our experience.

I vote "no". Better things to do.

[DanS]

Slow: So you have a sliding scale of ethics, where priorities have to be set, and other good objectives would be sacrificed?

Let's assume for the sake of argument that Mars terraforming would be beneficial for the economic well-being of Earthlings.

Boris: Are you making a distinction between transforming living things and transforming non-living things?

Let's assume for the sake of argument that there are some simple living things on Mars, like one-celled organisms.

[Zkribbler]

I say terraform. And if the Martians don't like it, let them all go back where they came from.

[Boris Godunov]

Originally posted by SlowwHand
Boris, you assume the present state.

What other state should I presume? He's asking if it would be ethical to terraform Mars as it is, I imagine.

Dan is asking a question of prospects.

And how didn't my answer address that question?

You also assume nothing living. All we know is, nothing we know by our experience.

Our scientific knowledge is enough for us to assume there is no life on Mars. If there by chance is, it would have to be on the level of microbes. Ethics still wouldn't apply, as we accept the disposal of microbes as a natural part of our existence.

I vote "no". Better things to do.

Even in the context that Earth is full/environmentally ravaged, it may be the only option for survival of the human race?

[uh Clem]

I don't see anything unethical about it, not that that necessarily makes it wise or easy. I just read an article a few days ago that says that terraforming is now considered more difficult because Martian polar regions have been found to contain ice, not frozen carbon dioxide. Turns out there's a lot less CO2 on Mars than was originally thought.

[SlowwHand]

I guess I'll just go with Zkribbler.
Move the Martians onto reservations.
Odd that we could consider messing with another planet as ok, but not another country.

[Boris Godunov]

Originally posted by SlowwHand
Odd that we could consider messing with another planet as ok, but not another country.

Are you serious? Need we explain the difference to you between a living and non-living object?

[DanS]

Read my addition to the hypothetical. Simple living organisms exist on Mars that are unique to Mars. This follows an "abundant life" model.

[Az]

It's very ethical, since it will allow more people to live decent lives worldwide.

We can use CFCs, and PFCs to create the greenhouse effect to heat the planet, however if CO2 will be missing it will be tough to grow anything..

What's the composition of the soil, as we know, so far?

[Boris Godunov]

Originally posted by DanS
Read my addition to the hypothetical. Simple living organisms exist on Mars.

Already answered.

And why wouldn't anyone make the distinction between a living and non-living thing?

I have in my hand a glass. If I so chose, I could drop to the floor and smash it to a thousand pieces. Would that be unethical (assuming it's not anyone else's property)?

[DanS]

And why wouldn't anyone make the distinction between a living and non-living thing?

Why would anyone?

[Boris Godunov]

Originally posted by DanS
And why wouldn't anyone make the distinction between a living and non-living thing?

Why would anyone?

See my example. Why would ethics apply to an inanimate object?

[SlowwHand]

Truth be known, Boris, and I say this with love in my heart Boris, is looking at this from an arrogant Earthling point-of-view.
What is life, per his detetermination.
Is the plan then to just abandon Earth, for Mars?
How about spending the bucks correcting our mistakes here.
Man. What a concept.