Do our actions make a difference if science is right?

Question

If as science theory states- the Sun will indeed become Supernova state-that is effectively explode with such force that it will completely oblitherate all the planets in this system-does it make the slightest difference outside of faith thinking what you do?

Crime wise, environmental, the way we think about evolutionary stages and how some treat fellow human being as lessers for whatever reason.

Does it make a difference to stop doing these things, or to keep from doing them yourself?

Again-not asking for the faith side of things, as the answer for mainstream faiths is fairly obvious. I'm asking for more philosophical stand points. Please share your thoughts!

Answer 1

I wouldn't worry about the sun becoming a supernova any time soon.  Most of what I've read suggests that our sun is not massive enough to ever become a supernova.  Before this happens, it's mass will become large enough to engulf the Earth.  But that won't be important for millions of years.

In the short term, however, I think that it makes sense to pay attention to what you do and to make decisions in the best interests of the planet and society.

There are a lot of self-described "rugged individualists" out there who believe that what they do doesn't matter and that everyone is better off looking out only for themselves.  They live by the notion that nobody has to take care of them, so they shouldn't have to watch out for anyone else.

This is deeply flawed logic.  Every single one of these people lives under the benefit of society.  They benefit from road work, easily accessible food, police protection and countless other things society provides that they take for granted.  Society is what keeps them alive and relatively safe from harm.  Certainly, there are murders and wars, but on the whole, our population continues to grow because of the protection we afford each other.

This is rooted in human history.  Not being as strong or fast as many animals, humans were able to survive partly because of our advanced brains and partly because of our ability to work together toward common goals.  No one human would be able to fight off a pack of hungry wolves.  Similarly, no one human built New York City.  It was numerous combinations of millions of people who made this marvel of civilization possible.

So protect your environment, look out for other people, plantlife, and animals, help put an end to crime, and lead a sensible life.  Though it may not seem like it sometimes, other people are working for your benefit.  Going it alone is rarely a realistic option.

Answer 2

I think it makes a difference in the short term while the earth is still here. will it be here forever? no, but we have a few billion years left. thats the short term. and hopefully we learn from everything we have done and take it with us IF we can make it to other planets between now and the year 3,000,002,008. so.. we got awhile. but if the sun was going to explode in 5 years, then yeah, it doesnt matter we are screwed. go ahead and be irresponsible and destory what u can.