logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2
57m 16s

Artemis 2 and the ethics of human space ...

Bbc Radio 4
About this episode

Today, humanity reaches towards the Moon once more. The first crewed lunar mission in more than 50 years.

But as NASA’s Artemis 2 lifts off, some troubling moral questions follow in its wake.

Are the billions of pounds being spent a visionary investment in our future, or a luxury we can't afford while poverty, disease, and a climate crisis demand urgent action here on Earth?

Who benefits from space exploration? The wealthy nations that lead it or all of humanity?

Is there really a moral imperative to explore the possibility of how to live on other planets?

And ... as we venture outwards, do we risk repeating the mistakes of colonial expansion?

That's our Moral Maze tonight ... the ethics of human space flight

WITNESSES: Dr Simeon Barber, Lunar Scientist at Open University; Dr Stuart Parkinson, Executive Director of Scientists for Global Responsibility; Dr Tony Milligan, Philosopher in Space Ethics; Mary-Jane Rubenstein, Professor of Religion and Science in Society at Wesleyan University PANELLISTS: Carmody Grey, Anne McElvoy, James Orr and Sonia Sodha PRESENTER: William Crawley

Up next
Apr 9
What is education for?
Universities across the country are cutting back on humanities courses – philosophy, history, modern languages – subjects long seen as central to a well-rounded education. The reason is familiar: falling student numbers, financial pressure, and a growing insistence that degrees m ... Show More
57m 20s
Mar 27
Is an Established Church Morally Defensible?
The Church of England marks a historic moment: the installation of its first female Archbishop of Canterbury. A symbol, many would say, of progress in an institution often accused of resisting it. And yet, even as she takes office, around 600 churches reportedly refuse to recogni ... Show More
57m 33s
Mar 19
Economic shocks: is there a duty to accept sacrifice?
Rising oil prices triggered by war have renewed fears of an economic shock. Governments are already under pressure to step in: to cap prices, cushion bills and shield households from the consequences. Yet crises were once understood differently. During earlier shocks, citizens we ... Show More
57m 30s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2024
Gergely Gosztonyi, "Censorship from Plato to Social Media: The Complexity of Social Media’s Content Regulation and Moderation Practices" (Springer, 2023)
In many countries, censorship, blocking of internet access and internet content for political purposes are still part of everyday life. Will filtering, blocking, and hacking replace scissors and black ink? This book argues that only a broader understanding of censorship can effec ... Show More
48m 29s
Nov 2024
Should social media be banned? Battenhall's Drew Benvie on the PRmoment Podcast
<p>Today on the PRmoment Podcast we’re talking to Battenhall founder Drew Benvie - asking if <b>social media be banned.</b><br/> <br/>Battenhall is a social-first agency with 120 employees and won Large Agency of the Year at <a href='https://www.prmomentawards.com/'>The PRmoment ... Show More
28m 1s
Dec 2024
Making money from internet outrage
How do online platforms profit from our anger? In this episode, we explore the business of 'rage-baiting' – content designed to provoke outrage and drive engagement. We hear from creators who thrive on stirring emotions, critics warning of its societal impact, and academics expla ... Show More
17m 28s
Aug 2025
From The Tea App To Princess Treatment: How The Right Wing Agenda Is Poisoning The Dating Pool
Should you quiz your man on if he's doing princess treatment or the bare minimum? Are you allowed to look waiters in the eye or would that ruin you and your husband's night? Have you tried to check if your Hinge date is a creep and ended up getting doxxed by 4chan? If you're sing ... Show More
29m 28s
Nov 2024
Is Online Superiority & The Irony Epidemic Rotting Our Brains?
<p>How many times a day do you - publicly or privately - berate someone online for being worse than you? From Halsey calling out critics to Pitchfork doing the aforementioned critiquing and Ethel Cain telling us to cut the irony - this week Ione and Gina are discussing how social ... Show More
30m 22s
Dec 2019
Is there any stopping the spread of hate online?
NOTE: This episode contains discussions of racist ideologies and hate-based violence. Listener discretion is advised. Sam (not his real name) was just 13 when he discovered a meme-focused online forum during a lonely time at school. His new friends there were more than happy to s ... Show More
58m 5s
Jan 2025
The Truth about Lenin, Stalin and the Soviet Union - Michael Malice
Michael Malice is the author of Dear Reader, The New Right, The Anarchist Handbook & The White Pill. He's the host of the "YOUR WELCOME" podcast on YouTube @MichaelMaliceofficial | SPONSOR: Aura. Stop leaving yourself vulnerable to data breaches. Go to our sponsor https://aura. ... Show More
1h 12m