The Great Filter and Space Exploration: A Dooyeweerdian Response

This paper provides a Christian philosophical and theological response, in the tradition of reformational philosophy, to the moral imperative of human advancement through space exploration as emerging from the Great Filter theory. First, it explains the so-called Fermi Paradox that underlies the Great Filter theory. Next, it explores this theory itself and its motivational power in driving advancement in space exploration. In particular, we will explore three motives behind the multi-planet efforts that are (in part) guided by the Great Filter theory, using the motivations given by SpaceX founder and chief engineer Musk as a case study. Finally, we will provide a possible response to these motivations in the tradition of reformational philosophy and offer some reasons why this philosophy can help us in appreciating space exploration.