Abstract

Pragmatism is a direct response to the notion that some branches of philosophy lead to dead ends or lack practical applications. The Protogen stealth ships provide an interesting example. In The Expanse, the protomolecule disassembles and reassembles human bodies in random and horrific ways. Eros had to be sacrificed to protect the rest of humanity from the threat of the protomolecule. The Eros incident illuminates the way the remorseless logic of utilitarianism can lead to dreadful results. The Expanse allows us to look at different views on the moral limits of science. It also illuminates our shared humanity. The Expanse suggests that when we lose sight of our humanity, even if the goal is to save humanity, we make the wrong decisions.