Space Ethics in an Intercultural Context

At the intersection of sustainable development and the management of emerging risks, this project aims to study the ethical and moral implications of spaceflights, space exploration, and exobiology research. This is a practical philosophy and applied ethics project focused on space within an intercultural France-Japan framework. It operates at the crossroads of interdisciplinary research on sustainability and security (InSyTE research unit at UTT) and advanced space sciences and technologies (the Spatiology Center of Kyoto University). The project addresses critical contemporary and practical issues such as protecting our atmosphere and space or envisioning the future of our interactions with other celestial bodies (starting with the Moon). Among the more specific questions of such a "space ethics," we can list: the use and safety of satellite data; the danger and management of space debris; the militarization of space; mining and prospecting activities; and, more speculatively, the colonization of other planets like Mars. For this doctoral thesis, we are looking for a potentially multidisciplinary profile, coming from philosophy, history, STS (science, technology, and society studies), or international relations. Proficiency in English is mandatory, and Japanese language skills are an advantage.

Research Unit: Interdisciplinary research on Society-Technology-Environment interactions (InSyTe)

Website InSyTe: http://recherche.utt.fr/insyte

Master's level education in philosophy, social sciences, STS, or related disciplines. Strong interest in applied ethics (to technology, the environment, etc.) and space-related issues. Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and international framework.