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Exploring Space Law Through the Lens of Dharma

Book Title: Legal and Policy Regime of Outer Space and Global Governance

Editor:  Dr. Ananya Rahul Bibave

ISBN:  978-81-979197-2-5

Chapter: 1

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59646/lpc1/257

Author: Prajakta Bhagwat, Assistant Professor, PES Modern Law College, Pune, Maharashtra, India.

Abstract

This comprehensive article explores the intersection of space law with the ancient Indian concept of Dharma and natural law theory, particularly through the lenses of Hindu jurisprudence and Buddhist philosophy. Dharma, extending beyond traditional religious frameworks, offers a unique perspective on ethics and morality in space activities, challenging the conventional separation of religion and politics. The application of Hindu jurisprudence contemplates ethical responsibilities in space exploration, emphasizing principles like trusteeship and Ahimsa. The article delves into the interplay between Dharma and ethics, highlighting the dynamic and evolving nature of ethical thinking in space-related endeavors. Furthermore, it discusses the relevance of natural law principles in guiding ethical behavior, promoting justice, fairness, and peace in outer space activities. The importance of establishing ethical norms precedes legal frameworks, necessitating international cooperation and transparency. The article concludes by emphasizing that outer space is humanity’s shared heritage, advocating for ethical considerations in space exploration for the benefit of all.

Keywords: Space Law, Dharma, Hindu Jurisprudence, Natural Law Theory, Ethics.

References

  1. Rigveda
  2. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/space
  3. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/space
  4. Sunil Sondhi. Aspects Of Dharma Ethics Law and Action in Indian Tradition: Ethics Law and action in Indian Tradition. 2023. ffhal-04188649f
  5. Finnis, John. Natural Law and Natural Rights, Oxford University Press, Incorporated, 2011. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/inflibnet-ebooks/detail.action?docID=975421.
  6. Priya nath Sen, General principle of Hindu Jurisprudence (2016)
  7. Ethics in nutshell available at https://ethics.journalism.wisc.edu/resources/ethics-in-a-nutshell/
  8. Ibid
  9. Shyam Ranganathan, Ethics and the Moral Life in India Penguin India available at https://philarchive.org/archive/RANEAT-7
  10. ibid
  11. UNESCO, The Ethics of Space Policy, available at https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000120681/PDF/120681eng.pdf.multi