Exploring the origin, extent, and future of life
Subtitle: philosophical, ethical, and theological perspectives
By: edited by Constance M. Bertka.
Contributors: Bertka, Constance M.
Series: Cambridge astrobiology, 4
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 2009
Place of publication: Cambridge, United Kingdom; New York, USA
Language: eng
Number of pages: 324
ISBN-13: 9780521863636
Subjects: Exobiology; Life -- Origin -- Philosophy
Description: "Where did we come from? Are we alone? Where are we going? These are the questions that define the field of astrobiology. New discoveries about life on Earth, the increasing numbers of extrasolar planets being identified, and the technologies being developed to locate and characterize Earth-like planets around other stars are continually challenging our views of nature and our connection to the rest of the universe. In this book, philosophers, historians, ethicists, and theologians provide the perspectives of their fields on the research and discoveries of astrobiology. A valuable resource for graduate students and researchers, the book provides an introduction to astrobiology, and explores subjects such as the implications of current origin of life research, the possible discovery of extraterrestrial microbial life, and the possibility of altering the environment of Mars. - An introduction to astrobiology exploring the origin of life, the extent of life, and the possibility of life on Mars - Provides philosophical, historical, ethical and theological perspectives on astrobiology - No prior knowledge of the subject is needed as each chapter has been written to be understood by readers new to the field"--Provided by publisher.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: Astrobiology in a societal context / Constance M. Bertka; title: Emergence and the experimental pursuit of the origin of life / Robert M. Hazen; title: From Aristotle to Darwin, to Freeman Dyson : changing definitions of life viewed in a historical context / James E. Strick; title: Philosophical aspects of the origin-of-life problem : the emergence of life and the nature of science / Iris Fry; title: The origin of terrestrial life : a Christian perspective / Ernan McMullin; title: The alpha and the omega : reflections on the origin and future of life from the perspective of Christian theology and ethics / Celia Deane-Drummond; title: A biologist's guide to the solar system / Lynn J. Rothschild; title: The quest for habitable worlds and life beyond the solar system / Carl B. Pilcher and Jack J. Lissauer; title: A historical perspective on the extent and search for life / Steven J. Dick; title: The search for extraterrestrial life : epistemology, ethics, and worldviews / Mark Lupisella; title: The implications of discovering extraterrestrial life : different searches, differnet issues / Margaret S. Race; title: God, evolution, and astrobiology / Cynthia S. W. Crysdale; title: Planetary ecosynthesis on Mars : restoration ecology and environmental ethics / Christopher P. McKay; title: The trouble with intrinsic value : an ethical primer for astrobiology / Kelly C. Smith; title: God's preferential option for life : a Christian perspective on astrobiology / Richard O. Randolph; title: Comparing stories about the origin, extent, and future of life : an Asian religious perspective / Francisca Cho.