| Introduction
Setting
the Stage: Some Questions to Think About
How
will new energies from space b allocated if we find ways to capture
solar energy in space via solar collector satellites?
Will
the energy source be distributed to each nation or industrial
company according to its monetary contributions to the project?
Should
profits and/or energy sources be spread out according to need?
Introduction
This
module examines ethical issues involved in the commercialization
of Outer Space. The problems of commerce and economic justice
in space threaten to present some of the most complex challenges
for the field of ethics in the future. If a space based business
differs significantly from its earth based sister company? Are
we presented with a new set of ethical issues, or are we confronted,
for example, with the same “business as usual” ethical
problems that plague us here on earth? Is “business ethics”
an oxymoron? Is “space based business ethics” an oxymoron?
We must investigate the ethical data as well as the technical
and scientific data involved in our venture into outer-space.
We need to make sure our trek into outer space is pursued in peaceful,
safe, productive and ethical ways.
Educational
Objectives
•
Upon completion of this module students will have a better understanding
of key concepts within the business community in general.
• Students will be able to recognize the ethical dilemmas
arising from the viewpoint that business is for profit only, and
from the viewpoint that all businesses have ethical and social
responsibilities.
• Students will be better able to understand and discuss
key moral concepts within business ethics and environmental/space
ethics.
• Students will be able to see the commercialization of
outer space with an “eye” towards a global community
and not just from an individual nation’s perspective.
• Finally, students will be asked to better understand the
relationship between science, technology, international/global
participation, and ethics.
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