Re:The Argument Against Terraforming Mars (2016)
by marcus_holmes on Monday June 05, 2017 @06:29AM
(#14486526)
I don't understand the appeal to aesthetics at all.
Is a lump of rock more aesthetically pleasing than a statue?
It assumes that whatever the end result of terraforming is, will be less aesthetically pleasing than the current vista. This is clearly a flawed assumption. There's no evidence that it is true.
Aesthetics is also subjective. Some people prefer deserts, some people prefer beaches, some people prefer forests. If you prefer deserts, I guess terraforming Mars will be an aesthetic loss. If you prefer any other form of terrain, then it'll be a win.
Is a lump of rock more aesthetically pleasing than a statue?
It assumes that whatever the end result of terraforming is, will be less aesthetically pleasing than the current vista. This is clearly a flawed assumption. There's no evidence that it is true.
Aesthetics is also subjective. Some people prefer deserts, some people prefer beaches, some people prefer forests. If you prefer deserts, I guess terraforming Mars will be an aesthetic loss. If you prefer any other form of terrain, then it'll be a win.