Posted: February 24th, 2023

The Martian

Write a paper based on the ethics and ethical thinking within the book The Martian.
The Martian, a science fiction novel by Andy Weir, tells the story of Mark Watney, an astronaut who is stranded on Mars after his crew is forced to evacuate the planet due to a dust storm. Throughout the novel, Watney faces numerous ethical dilemmas as he struggles to survive in an inhospitable environment.

One of the first ethical dilemmas Watney faces is the decision to use the limited resources at his disposal to grow food. Watney knows that if he doesn’t find a way to produce food, he will eventually starve to death. However, growing food requires the use of valuable resources such as water and oxygen, resources that Watney knows he will need to survive for an extended period of time.

Watney ultimately decides to take the risk and use the resources to grow food, recognizing that it is necessary for his survival. This decision demonstrates Watney’s commitment to the principle of self-preservation, which is a fundamental ethical value.

Another ethical dilemma Watney faces is the decision to communicate with NASA and the rest of the world about his situation. Watney knows that revealing his presence on Mars could lead to a rescue mission, but he also knows that such a mission would be risky and expensive.

Ultimately, Watney decides to reveal his presence on Mars, recognizing that the risks of not doing so outweigh the benefits. This decision demonstrates Watney’s commitment to the ethical principle of honesty, as well as his recognition of the importance of seeking help when faced with a difficult situation.

Throughout the novel, Watney’s ethical thinking is shaped by his commitment to survival and his recognition of the value of honesty and self-preservation. These values guide his decision-making and ultimately help him to survive on Mars.

The Martian raises important ethical questions about the value of survival and the importance of honesty and self-preservation. Through the character of Mark Watney, the novel demonstrates the vital role that ethics play in guiding our actions and decision-making in challenging situations.