The endeavor to uncover extraterrestrial intelligence, known as the Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence (SETI), takes a bioethical turn in this examination. This study advances the notion that there exists a moral obligation to embark on this quest, grounded in the prospect of discovering ethically advanced beings in the cosmos.
Delving into the bioethical underpinnings, the argument hinges on the hypothesis that certain extraterrestrial entities could exhibit enhanced moral capacities. These beings may not only possess moral reasoning but also consistently act upon it. While the likelihood of encountering such morally superior beings might be slim, it remains non-zero, bolstered by astrobiological knowledge.
Drawing parallels to debates surrounding human moral enhancement, this study underscores the moral imperative to engage in SETI endeavors. The deductive and inductive rationales affirm the duty to support these efforts, echoing the ethos driving discussions on enhancing human morality.
As we extend our gaze beyond our planet, this exploration of moral standing in the context of extraterrestrial intelligence underscores the ethical dimensions that span across the cosmos, transcending the confines of Earth.