Instructions- It is the year 2135 and humans have successfully created a teleportation device that allows them to move freely between earth and a planet in a distant solar system, which has been named New Earth. The planet is free from pollution and inhabited by an alien species that lives together in different bands of 20-30 members. The total population of the species is estimated to be between 300,000-500,000 members. The species seems to communicate with one another through a series of sounds, but after ten years of concerted effort, linguists have not been able to interpret or translate the meaning of any of their utterances.
Some colonists want to protect the species from harm and exploitation and suggest creating autonomous zones in which the species can live undisturbed by humans. Others argue that since the species lacks clear human-like intelligence, that they should be harvested for their meat and pelts, or else kept as pets.
Explain what it means to be deemed a member of the moral community in general and determine whether this this species merits any moral consideration according to the Kantian deontological approach. Be sure to explain your reasoning.
Compare the way that deontology resolves this situation to either the social contract theory or the utilitarian approach. Which of the two theories does a better job of addressing this issue and why? Be sure to explain your reasoning.
