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Ethics and Polemics: series of public debates |
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Europe in Space: Exploration, Exploitation or Waste of Resources? |
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"In my opinion the chances of finding extraterrestrial life are very good. We need only to be a little patient, but sooner or later man will discover it". Prof. Giovanni Bignami, Director, CESR (Centre d'Etude Spatiale des Rayonnements, Toulouse) 9 January 2004
Should humans go into space? Are the missions worth the huge investment? Will signs of life be found on Mars? Many believe that space exploration is the natural thing to do. Humans are curious, want to know more, see greater things and experience new emotions. Any form of exploration has been and will be beneficial. Missions stimulate technology developments and provide incalculable spin-offs. They generate a national sense of achievement and pride in one's country.
Others argue that space exploration is an enormous waste of resources. Funds would perhaps be better spent in combating poverty and disease, encouraging sustainable energy and tackling global warming issues. Instead of spending large sums of money to make a small part of the Moon or Mars habitable, it could be spent to conserve Earth for future generations.
These quite opposing points of view were the basis of a debate involving high profile speakers from the UK and Italy and higher secondary school students from Rome and Naples. It was the fourth event in a series of public debates focussing on key controversial scientific issues, seen from the perspective of society and the citizen. |
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