Astrobiology Discovery and Societal Impact 1st Edition by Steven J. Dick 9781108677769 1108677762

Astrobiology Discovery and Societal Impact 1st Edition Steven J. Dick – Ebook Instant Download/Delivery ISBN(s): 9781108426763,110842676X, 9781108677769, 1108677762

Product details:

• ISBN 10: 1108677762
• ISBN 13: 9781108677769
• Author: Steven J. Dick

The search for life in the universe, once the stuff of science fiction, is now a robust worldwide research program with a well-defined roadmap probing both scientific and societal issues. This volume examines the humanistic aspects of astrobiology, systematically discussing the approaches, critical issues, and implications of discovering life beyond Earth. What do the concepts of life and intelligence, culture and civilization, technology and communication mean in a cosmic context? What are the theological and philosophical implications if we find life – and if we do not? Steven J. Dick argues that given recent scientific findings, the discovery of life in some form beyond Earth is likely and so we need to study the possible impacts of such a discovery and formulate policies to deal with them. The remarkable and often surprising results are presented here in a form accessible to disciplines across the sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

Table contents:

1 History

2 Discovery

3 Analogy

4 Can We Transcend Anthropocentrism?

5 Is Human Knowledge Universal?

6 How Can We Envision Impact?

7 Astroculture: Transforming Our Worldviews

8 Astroethics: Interacting with Alien Life

9 Astropolicy: Preparing for Discovery

10 Summary and Conclusions: At Home in the Biological (or Postbiological) Universe

People also search:

what is the impact of space exploration

effects of space exploration on society

space discoveries that changed the world

astrobiology discoveries

astrobiology society of america