Panbiotic Ethics as an Evolutionary Adaptation of a Habitable Planet in a Habitable Universe

Alexander D. Shenderov

doi:10.63335/j.hp.2026.0047

Highlights

The foundational Hume’s law of metaethics is shown to be a fallacy.
An alternative metaethics framework is proposed: ethics as an evolutionary adaptation.
Panbiotic ethics of terrestrial guardianship and extraterrestrial gardening is hypothesized to provide an evolutionary advantage to the species choosing this paradigm, its home biosphere, and potentially even its home Universe.
Normative and applied ethics derived from this evolutionary framework can provide practical resourceallocation guidance relevant to current global challenges (examples included).

Abstract

The evolutionary concept of survival of the fittest is applied to civilization-building species and their prevalent ethical paradigm. Continuation of consciousness (sufficiently advanced to concern itself with ethics) is applied as an evaluation criterion for metaethics frameworks, normative ethics models and applied ethics practice. In particular, assertive panbiotic ethics of terrestrial guardianship and extraterrestrial gardening is likely advantageous to the fitness of a civilization-forming species choosing this paradigm—as well as that of the species’ home biosphere, and potentially even its home Universe. The only biospheres—and Universes—that can get a deliberate reproductive boost are the ones that evolve civilizations able and willing to provide it. Civilizations that can, and choose to, protect and replicate their systems of origin appear likely to give these systems (including themselves) a decisive evolutionary advantage. Developing and using these abilities depend on the civilization’s prevalent ethics. Evolving advanced civilization-forming consciousnesses deliberately helping their systems of origin immortalize themselves (through maintenance and reproduction) therefore appears to be a natural selection condition for these systems. This broad outlook appears highly relevant to humanity’s ongoing challenges. Accepting such an assertive panbiotic ethical paradigm may help avert the energy crisis (and ensuing collapse of the global civilization) by enabling the transition to renewable energy while we still have the energy from fossil fuels to invest in it. Adoption of panbiotic ethics appears to be a selection criterion for civilizations to develop beyond planetary stage (that human civilization currently is at) and eventually help spread life beyond their home planet.

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