4 ms·
This comment is operating under two assumptions: that Mars colonization will occur within his lifetime; and that permanent settlement will be established withou
by mypastself 3y ago
This comment is operating under two assumptions: that Mars colonization will occur within his lifetime; and that permanent settlement will be established without applying any legal framework to it. Even sci-fi writers would tell you both these things are highly unlikely.
- klyrs 3y agoI assume nothing. Whether or not Musk succeeds, it is worth discussing probable outcomes. I am commenting on the current legal framework. I think that your view that a legal framework will exist before colonization (permanent or disastrously temporary) occurs is quite optimistic. I will remain pessimistic about the legal situation until a legal framework exists to prevent human rights abuses in space, with sharp enough teeth to actually discourage abuses. As we see here, even when laws exist, penalties are rarely sufficient.
- mypastself 3y agoEven if specific laws aren’t established along with or prior to settlement (which I doubt), it’s not true that Mars is “an explicitly rules-free zone“. Existing Earth laws would still apply: https://2009-2017.state.gov/t/isn/5181.htm https://2009-2017.state.gov/t/isn/5181.htm
- throwaway5959 3y agoWhy would a sci-fi writers be the authoritative people to ask about science and engineering? They’re fiction authors.
- mypastself 3y agoThat was the original comment’s implication. Hence my “even”.
- klyrs 3y agoMy concern is one of jurisprudence, not science. To your question, many of the best sci-fi authors are in fact scientists.