Internationally recognized author, scholar and philosopher Christopher Phillips is searching for answers beyond planet Earth as the new philosopher in residence of Humanity in Deep Space, a think-tank organization dedicated to gathering information and promoting discussion on possible human civilization in outer space.
Humanity in Deep Space was created in 2019 and comprises a diverse group of creative thinkers, space professionals and others who are working to develop a better understanding of just how people would be able to inhabit and live outside of Earth. Phillips, a William & Mary alumnus who lives in Newport News, was named philosopher in residence in March.
Phillips first learned about Humanity in Deep Space while attending the Idea Festival in Kentucky in 2022. There, he met the group’s founder, Kris Kimel. After hearing more, “I realized that I wanted to be more and more deeply involved,” he said. “To be named philosopher in residence is an honor. It truly made my heart soar. I just knew that this was my next thing. I will not only be able to explore the ethical issues but existential ones.”
As humans inch closer to possibly colonizing places like the moon, Mars and beyond, Phillips is slated to lead discussions on issues such as how space inhabitants will grow food, how they will obtain medicine and what money will look like. Additionally, more ethical questions will be posed such as how people from different nations will co-exist as they stake their claim on terrain, how living outside of Earth will affect their mental health, and what the impact would be if they come in contact with other life forms.
“These are all exhilarating questions,” he said.
Phillips first became interested in philosophy as a child thanks to his Greek grandmother, who taught him about the history of Greece during summers he spent at his grandparents’ home. He later became fascinated with Socrates as a teenager. Though he studied government at William & Mary, he veered toward a career as a philosopher later on and penned several books including his first called “Socrates Café: A Fresh Take on Philosophy in 2001,” which became an international best seller.
He wrote his latest book, “Soul of Goodness,” in 2022 following the death of his father.
Kimel, who in addition to Humanity in Deep Space is co-founder of the commercial space company Space Tango, said Phillips was the perfect fit to be the organization’s philosopher in residence.
“Chris is a deep thinker, philosopher and accomplished author,” Kimel said. “Much of what we need to accomplish in space exploration goes beyond science and technology into the realm of human nature. His experience and ideas are at the center of this challenge.”
Phillips will be a part of a webcast discussion on May 23, along with astrophysicist and space ethics thinker Erika Nesvold. For more information, visit humanityindeepspace.com. For more on Phillips, visit christopherphillips.com.
Brandy Centolanza, bcentolanza@cox.net
