From: Technotranscendence (neptune@mars.superlink.net)
Date: Tue Sep 05 2000 - 00:40:12 MDT
On Monday, September 04, 2000 7:32 PM E. Shaun Russell e_shaun@uniserve.com
wrote:
> >That said, how many on this list see planetary colonization is necessary
or
> >desirable? I tend to think once we get to space, we should stay there
and
> >not be anchored to any large rocks. See my web page for more on my views
> >in this area.
>
> Space travel and planetary colonization is not only desirable, but a
> necessary step in the evolution of mankind and our inventions. Since
> progress in technology is being made in a broad, non-linear fashion (e.g.:
> progress in nanotech is coinciding with progress in biotech, cybernetics,
> enhanced computation etc.), it is logical to expect the same out of space
> programs. While the combination of advanced VR-based communications with
> widespread GM agriculture will make physical location and overpopulation
> less of an issue, colonizing other planets will extend the survival and
> continuation of our species in a physical form. While I am by no means a
> doomsayer around technology, there is a legitimate possibility of
> technological error in the future, regardless of the refinement level. As
> a species, it makes more sense to have large amounts of space between
> colonies.
You misunderstand the question. I'm arguing _for_ space colonization and
_against_ planetary colonization. I tend to think of planets as traps. Why
live at the bottom of a gravity well? It makes it harder to move about.
Of course, one could argue that planets are ready made, packed with
resources, and offer some protection against radiation and space junk (well
the ones with atmospheres:). I still feel you give up too much mobility and
fine control over the environment. Plus, if you really believe space is the
place for the posthuman race, then why go to Mudville? Stay in space.
See "For a Free Frontier: The Case for Space Colonization" at
http://uweb.superlink.net/neptune/SpaceCol.html
Cheers!
Daniel Ust
http://uweb.superlink.net/neptune/
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