Three Worlds Collide

Abstract

This webpage contains a blog post that introduces a science fiction novella, Three Worlds Collide. The story explores themes of meta-ethics, rational conduct, and the challenges of communication and cooperation between vastly different civilizations. The novella begins with the discovery of two alien species, the “Baby-Eaters” and the “Super Happy People”, by a human expedition. The “Baby-Eaters”, despite their disturbing practice of consuming infants before they reach sentience, are shown to value logic and engage in rational discourse. The “Super Happy People”, while seemingly benevolent, present a more insidious threat to human values through their desire to eliminate suffering by fundamentally altering human minds. The story follows the ensuing conflict and the difficult decisions humans face in navigating the competing values of these alien cultures. Two possible endings are presented, exploring alternative paths humanity might take in response to the alien encounter. – AI-generated abstract.