The Expanse and Philosophy

1. The Expanse explores complex philosophical themes through science fiction

"The Expanse is at its most powerful when it provides answers to the question, what if we proceed in the exploration of space without self-knowledge—that is, without ever reexamining our basic assumptions about the purpose and value of spaceflight?"

Philosophical exploration. The Expanse uses its futuristic setting to examine enduring philosophical questions about human nature, consciousness, ethics, and society. By placing characters in unfamiliar environments and extreme situations, the series challenges viewers to reconsider their assumptions and grapple with complex moral dilemmas.

Relevance to contemporary issues. Though set centuries in the future, the show's themes resonate strongly with current debates around technology, inequality, tribalism, and humanity's relationship with the environment. The Expanse acts as a thought experiment, extrapolating how today's trends and choices might play out on a solar system-wide scale.

2. Ethical dilemmas arise from humanity's expansion into space

"Dresden's justification references Genghis Khan, warfare as a way forward for humanity. The violence of Eros is the key method."

Moral sacrifices for progress. The series repeatedly confronts characters with situations where scientific advancement or human expansion comes at a terrible ethical cost. The experiments on Eros exemplify this, with researchers justifying mass death in the name of unlocking revolutionary technologies.

Utilitarianism vs. human rights. Characters must weigh potential benefits to humanity against violations of individual rights and dignities. This reflects real-world debates around medical research ethics, weapons development, and other fields where progress often involves ethical compromises.

Key ethical dilemmas in the show:

• Experimenting on Belters with the protomolecule
• Terraforming Mars at great ecological cost
• Exploiting Belt resources to fuel Earth and Mars
• Using violence to secure independence for the Belt

3. The show examines the nature of consciousness and identity

"If the protomolecule-constructed Investigator can choose Miller's civilian clothes over his ghostly ones, then it must logically contain a part of him. If Miller is dead, only one part of him could be left. His soul."

Artificial consciousness. The protomolecule's ability to recreate aspects of human consciousness, as with the Investigator version of Miller, raises profound questions about the nature of identity and self-awareness. The show explores whether a simulation of a person, with their memories and personality, can be considered that person in any meaningful sense.

Transhumanism themes. As characters encounter alien technology and radical changes to human biology, the boundaries of what defines humanity become blurred. The series probes how much we can alter the human form and mind before a person ceases to be recognizably human.

Ways identity is challenged in the show:

• Protomolecule hybrids
• Virtual versions of dead characters
• Belter physiological adaptations
• Holden's visions and alien knowledge

4. Power dynamics and oppression shape interplanetary relations

"Earthers, Martians—they see us as their possessions, animals"

Systemic inequality. The show portrays a stark divide between the privileged Inner planets and the exploited Outer planets, mirroring real-world dynamics of colonialism and economic oppression. This system shapes every aspect of society, from access to resources to cultural attitudes.

Resistance and revolution. The oppression of Belters drives much of the series' conflict, as various factions fight for independence and dignity. The show explores how systemic injustice breeds extremism, while also questioning whether violence is justified in pursuit of freedom.

Forms of oppression in The Expanse:

• Economic exploitation of Belt resources
• Lack of political representation for Belters
• Cultural discrimination against Belters
• Unequal access to medical care and life support

5. Characters grapple with moral choices and consequences

"I didn't kill him because he was crazy. I killed him because he was making sense."

Moral ambiguity. The Expanse consistently places its characters in situations with no clear right answer, forcing them to make difficult choices with far-reaching consequences. This reflects the complexity of real-world ethical dilemmas, where good intentions can lead to catastrophic outcomes.

Personal responsibility. Characters must wrestle with the weight of their decisions, often carrying guilt for past actions or struggling to reconcile their ideals with the harsh realities of their world. The show emphasizes how individual choices can have system-wide impacts.

Examples of moral dilemmas faced by characters:

• Miller killing Dresden to prevent further atrocities
• Holden broadcasting information that could start a war
• Naomi giving the protomolecule sample to Fred Johnson
• Avasarala using torture and manipulation for political ends

6. The protomolecule challenges understanding of life and intelligence

"If we master it, we can apply it to everything. We become our own gods."

Alien incomprehensibility. The protomolecule represents a truly alien form of life and intelligence, operating on principles beyond human understanding. This challenges characters' assumptions about the nature of life itself and humanity's place in the universe.

Technological singularity. The rapid, unpredictable changes brought about by the protomolecule mirror anxieties about artificial intelligence and technological advancement outpacing human control. The series explores both the promise and peril of encountering superior alien technology.

Ways the protomolecule challenges human understanding:

• Defying known laws of physics
• Repurposing human biology for unknown ends
• Creating structures and entities beyond human comprehension
• Opening gateways to other parts of the universe

7. Language and culture create barriers between factions

"If a lion could talk, we would not understand him."

Linguistic divides. The development of Belter creole reflects the cultural isolation of the Outer planets, creating a communication barrier that reinforces social divisions. This mirrors real-world issues of language and cultural misunderstanding in global politics.

Cultural incomprehension. Beyond just words, the show explores how different lived experiences create fundamental misunderstandings between groups. Inners struggle to truly grasp Belter perspectives, just as Belters often misinterpret Inner motivations.

Factors contributing to cultural barriers:

• Unique Belter physiology and adaptations to space
• Divergent values shaped by different environments
• Lack of shared historical and cultural touchstones
• Economic and political power imbalances coloring interactions

8. Technology's impact on society is a central theme

"The Epstein drive changed this situation radically. By allowing humans to move much more quickly throughout the solar system, the inhabitants of both Earth and Mars could begin to extract and utilize the resources of the asteroid belt and the moons of the giant planets beyond."

Transformative innovations. The series explores how breakthrough technologies like the Epstein drive fundamentally reshape society, economics, and politics. This reflects real-world debates about the societal impact of innovations like AI, genetic engineering, and space exploration.

Unintended consequences. The show consistently demonstrates how technological advancements often have unforeseen and uncontrollable effects, challenging the idea that scientific progress is always beneficial. Characters must grapple with the complex ramifications of new technologies.

Key technologies and their impacts:

• Epstein drive enabling solar system colonization
• Medical advances allowing Belter adaptation to space
• Protomolecule unlocking new realms of possibility
• Ring gates revolutionizing space travel and exploration

9. The series tackles issues of colonialism and exploitation

"The colonial undertones of the situation are evident."

Resource extraction. The relationship between the Inner and Outer planets mirrors historical patterns of colonialism, with resource-rich areas being exploited by more powerful central governments. This dynamic drives much of the series' conflict.

Cultural imperialism. Beyond just economic exploitation, the show explores how Inner planet culture and values are imposed on Belter societies, eroding traditional ways of life. This reflects ongoing debates about globalization and cultural homogenization.

Parallels to historical colonialism:

• Use of military force to maintain control of colonies
• Exploitation of indigenous labor (Belters)
• Imposition of foreign governance systems
• Justifications of colonization as "civilizing" or necessary for progress

10. Characters navigate conflicting loyalties and identities

"It felt like there were many versions of her—the captive, the collaborator, the mother reunited, the mother who went away—and all of them spoke differently. She didn't know which was her real self. If any of them. Probably, it was all."

Multifaceted identities. Characters like Naomi Nagata embody the complexity of identity, torn between different cultural backgrounds, political allegiances, and personal relationships. This reflects the increasingly globalized nature of modern identity.

Shifting allegiances. As the political situation evolves, characters must constantly reevaluate their loyalties and make difficult choices about where they stand. This creates rich internal conflicts and unpredictable story dynamics.

Examples of characters with conflicting identities:

• Naomi balancing Belter heritage with loyalty to the Rocinante crew
• Holden reconciling his idealism with pragmatic necessities
• Bobbie Draper choosing between Mars and her personal convictions
• Fred Johnson as the "Butcher of Anderson Station" turned OPA leader

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Last updated: July 21, 2024