Social and Conceptual Issues in Astrobiology

by Kelly C. Smith, Carlos Mariscal

Overview

How universal are our moral obligations? Should we attempt to communicate with life beyond our planet? What is "life"? Social and Conceptual Issues in Astrobiology explores the most important questions related to the field of astrobiology, and the resulting book is the most comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach focused on the humanistic issues of the multidisciplinary science of astrobiology to date.

Questions surrounding life on other planets have troubled humankind for centuries; this volume outlines the questions for the next decade of research in the field of astrobiology. Kelly C. Smith and Carlos Mariscal have assembled the top scholars from fields spanning history, communication, philosophy, law, and theology to consider the implications of life elsewhere. The perspectives supplied by this expansive group of contributors have never before been collected in book a book focused on astrobiology. This book sets a benchmark for future work in astrobiology, giving readers the groundwork from which to base the continuous scholarship coming from this ever-growing scientific field.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780190915650
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	05/19/2020
Pages:	328
Product dimensions:	9.40(w) x 6.40(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

Kelly C. Smith is Associate Professor of Philosophy and Biological Sciences and Chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religion at Clemson University. He is also President of the Society for Social and Conceptual Issues in Astrobiology.

Carlos Mariscal is Assistant Professor of Philosophy and a faculty member of the Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (EECB) and Integrative Neuroscience programs at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Table of Contents

Introduction
To the Humanities and Beyond: Exploring the Broader Questions in Astrobiology Kelly Smith and Carlos Mariscal

Part I - Historical Background
Astrobiology and Society: An Overview Steve Dick
Hell Is Other Planets: Extraterrestrial Life in the Western Theological Imagination Derek Malone-France

Part II - What is Life?
Three Lives and Astrobiology Lucas Mix
Dimensions of Life Definitions Emily Parke
Meaning of the Living State Cole Mathis
Life as It Could Be Luis Campos

Part III - Philosophical Issues in Astrobiology
Do Extraordinary Claims Require Extraordinary Evidence? The Proper Role of Sagan's Dictum in Astrobiology? Sean McMahon
Re-thinking Conceptual Intelligence and the Astrobiology Debate Jason J. Howard
What are Extremophiles? A Philosophical Perspective Carlos Mariscal and Tyler Brunet

Part IV - Ethical Issues in Astrobiology
Convergences in the Ethics of Space Exploration Brian Green
Ethics and Extra-Terrestrials: What obligations will we have to extra-terrestrial life? What obligations will it have to us? Adam Potthast
METI or REGRETTI: Ethics, Risk and Alien Contact Kelly C. Smith

Part V - Social and Legal Issues in Astrobiology
Earth, Life, Space: The social construction of the biosphere and the expansion of the concept into outer space Linda Billings
Myth-Free Space Advocacy Part IV: The Myth of Public Support for Astrobiology Jim Schwartz
Environmental Law and Space Exploration Christopher J. Newman

Editorial Reviews

"In this book, some of the very best scholars engage with astrobiology to establish a new research field of humanistic and social/cultural perspectives on astrobiology. Studies on astrobiology from a social and humanistic viewpoint are few, and we need more research and books like this one." — Dr. David Dunér, Lund University

"Astrobiology, as a scientific area of inquiry, certainly has its challenges. But the broader social and philosophical issues of astrobiology are arguably even tougher. Fortunately, we have scholars willing to stretch to take on those challenges and give them the attention they deserve. This book does just that." — Dr. Mark Lupisella, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

"Even if the public is unfamiliar with the term astrobiology, everyone gets excited about the prospect of sharing our universe with extraterrestrial critters, whether microbial or intelligent. In this book, we find a comprehensive and insightful collection of essays anticipating the impact of our search for alien life on society, law, ethics, and religion." — Dr. Ted Peters, coeditor of Theology and Science

"Smith and Mariscal have assembled an excellent collection of personal perspectives and reviews that challenge all of us involved or interested in astrobiology to reconsider what we think, particularly what we think is obvious, about the societal and philosophical dimensions of astrobiology. This book informs and is likely to change minds." — Dr. Carl B. Pilcher, Research Scientist at Blue Marble Space Institute of Science and Former Director of the NASA Astrobiology Institute

"Advances in astrobiology exploration raise age-old questions about the meaning and significance of life. No matter when, where, or if we discover 'other' life, we must consider diverse philosophical, ethical, legal, and cultural perspectives as we frame a forward-looking response. While the issues and concerns may be challenging, thankfully, the authors of this volume have presented the information in engaging and thoughtful ways for readers in any discipline!" — Dr. Margaret S. Race, SETI Institute and AAAS 2019 Fellow

From the Publisher