Who Owns the Moon?

In Defence of Humanity’s Common Interests in Space

A. C. Grayling

$44.99

Hardback

Forthcoming
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English

Oneworld Publications
04 June 2024

Philosophy; Social issues & processes; Politics & government; Political science & theory; International space & aerospace law

Silicon for microchips; manganese for batteries; titanium for missiles.

The moon contains a wealth of natural resources. So, as the Earth’s supplies have begun to dwindle, it is no surprise that the world’s superpowers and wealthiest corporations have turned their eyes to the stars. As this new Space Race begins, A.C. Grayling asks: who, if anyone, owns the moon? Or Mars? Or other bodies in near space? And what do those superpowers and corporations owe to Planet Earth and its inhabitants as a whole?

From feudal common land, through the rules of the sea, to the vast, nationless expanse of Antarctica, Grayling explores the history of the places which no one, and therefore everyone, owns. Examining the many ways this so-called terra nullius has fallen victim to ‘the tragedy of the commons’ – the tendency for communal resources to be exploited by a few individuals for personal gain at the expense of everyone else – Who Owns the Moon? puts forward a compelling argument for a bold new global consensus, one which recognises and defends the rights of everyone who lives on this planet.

By: A. C. Grayling
Imprint: Oneworld Publications
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 135mm, Spine: 21mm
ISBN: 9780861547258
ISBN 10: 086154725X
Pages: 224
Publication Date: 04 June 2024
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

A. C. Grayling is the Founder and Principal of the New College of the Humanities at Northeastern University, London, and its Professor of Philosophy. Among his many books are The God Argument, Democracy and Its Crisis, The History of Philosophy, The Good State and Philosophy and Life. He has been a regular contributor to The Times, Guardian, Financial Times, Independent on Sunday, Economist, New Statesman, Prospect and New European. He has appeared on radio and TV, including BBC’s Today programme and Newsnight and on CNN News. He lives in London.

Reviews for Who Owns the Moon?: In Defence of Humanity’s Common Interests in Space

‘An enthusiastic thinker who embraces humour, common sense and lucidity.’ -- Independent on For the Good of the World ‘Grayling is particularly good at illuminating the knottiness of moral discourse.’ -- Sunday Times on For the Good of the World