Chapter 1: The Philosophical Perspective

Nick Bostrom, a Swedish philosopher, presents intriguing ideas regarding existential risks and the future of superintelligence that are both thought-provoking and unsettling. If his theories don’t rattle you, it may be time to reassess your understanding of his intellectual prowess, or perhaps you're just trying to navigate your own existential dilemmas.

My introduction to Bostrom came through an episode of the Joe Rogan Experience. During the two-and-a-half-hour discussion, Bostrom shared various philosophical insights, each one further challenging my perspective.

Around the midpoint of the podcast, Bostrom expressed his views on the possibility of colonizing Mars. He posits that, assuming we can navigate several crucial technological advancements, humanity could potentially colonize not just Mars, but the entire galaxy.

But here’s the twist: it may not be humans who undertake this colonization. Instead, he suggests, it might be machines—specifically, nanotechnology-enabled devices.

This perspective warrants careful consideration before dismissing it entirely. As Bostrom puts it, our biological bodies (his term: "meat sacks") are not ideally suited for the rigors of space exploration.

Since the dawn of science fiction, humans have been portrayed as the pioneers of space, venturing into the cosmos to leave our mark, with audiences cheering for these heroic figures. The moon landing in 1969 further fueled the belief that space exploration was within our grasp.

However, the human body is inherently fragile, composed of skin, bone, and soft tissue. While we can endure some gravity and G-forces, there are limits. Research suggests that humans can withstand a maximum of 10 Gs for about a minute before facing lethal consequences.

To travel at significant fractions of the speed of light, one would need to possess superhuman capabilities.

What does this mean for future space travel? While advancements in technology may one day enable our bodies to withstand the stresses of space travel, it might be wiser to preserve our physical forms and let technology do the heavy lifting.

Chapter 2: The Role of Technology

Consider the Mars Rover and missions to Jupiter. Each of these missions has involved robotic probes gathering valuable data about distant planets. For instance, the Mars Rover operates almost in real-time, with a dedicated website providing updates on its activities and future missions.

So how does Bostrom's theory align with these examples? Imagine a future where we possess the technological capability to create nanotechnology-driven machines. In Bostrom's vision, these machines could launch from Earth and travel to distant places like Pluto.

Upon arrival, the nanotech would detach from the probe and establish a production facility capable of two primary tasks: producing more probes for further exploration and gathering data about the planet, which would then be transmitted back to Earth.

This concept mirrors the functions of the Mars Rover but elevates it to a new level. Such technology would allow for extensive exploration of the cosmos while mitigating the challenges associated with human space travel. Consequently, our reach could become limitless, and the knowledge we gain would be invaluable.

Bostrom argues that this approach would exponentially expand our sphere of influence, enabling humanity to be the first to claim territory on previously uncharted planets.

But let's address a potential concern: does this really fit the definition of colonization?

You might be thinking that while this idea is intriguing, it diverges from the traditional understanding of colonization. This is indeed correct.

However, I contend that it's time to reevaluate what we mean by colonization. The dictionary describes colonization as the act of settling among and asserting control over the indigenous populations of an area.

Given that space is a vast and largely uncharted frontier, the conventional definition may not hold up. Whether or not you believe in extraterrestrial life, the mathematical likelihood suggests we are not the only sentient beings in the universe. Until we encounter other life forms, we cannot definitively claim that humans will settle and exert control over a planet's inhabitants.

To assume such authority would be incredibly presumptuous. There’s no way to know if other life forms are more or less advanced than we are. If humanity develops nanotechnology-enabled probes, it’s reasonable to consider that another civilization may have achieved this advancement first, potentially making them more sophisticated.

If that’s the case, how could we expect to dominate them?

Chapter 3: Redefining Colonization

If these concepts hold even a modicum of truth, we must reconsider our understanding of colonization. Instead of viewing it as an imposition of control, the emphasis should shift to exploration and the acquisition of knowledge from unknown territories.

This revised perspective allows humanity to extend its reach and deepen its understanding of the universe. Space exploration should prioritize data collection and learning over establishing a human presence on new planets. If we eventually solve our biological limitations, that would be an added bonus.

As Carl Sagan once suggested, we must strive to see things from a different viewpoint. In this light, Nick Bostrom’s theories prompt us to consider that we may already be on the path to colonizing Mars, with our nanotechnology-driven probes awaiting their turn to explore the rest of the universe.

If you found this discussion compelling, feel free to share it with a friend!