Space colonization remains the only long-term option for humanity: A reply to Torres.

Highlights • We consider the arguments against space colonization recently proposed by Phil Torres. • Beside oversimplifications and imprecisions, Torres's account fails to properly address postbiological evolution and conflates different speculative future scenarios. • Arguments against cosmic diversity based on suffering risk are dangerously close to becoming arguments against diversity as such, hence open to totalitarian tendencies. • No naturalistic utilitarian calculus of various scenarios for the future of humanity could be complete if it does not take extraterrestrial life and intelligence into account. • Space colonization remains the only option for long-term survival of humanity and all human values. Abstract Recent discussion of the alleged adverse consequences of space colonization by Phil Torres in this journal is critically assessed. While the concern for suffering risks (s-risks) should be part of any strategic discussion of the cosmic future of humanity, the Hobbesian picture painted by Torres is largely flawed and unpersuasive. Instead, there is a very real risk that the skeptical arguments will be taken too seriously and future human flourishing in space delayed or prevented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]