Exploring the Origin, Extent, and Future of Life: Philosophical, Ethical and Theological PerspectivesConstance M. Bertka 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. |
Contents
| 1 | |
Emergence and the experimental pursuit of the origin of life | 21 |
definitions of life viewed in a historical context | 47 |
the emergence of life and the nature of science | 61 |
reflections on the origin and future | 96 |
A biologists guide to the solar system | 115 |
Centre for Religion and the Biosciences Theology and Religious Studies | 168 |
epistemology ethics | 186 |
Common terms and phrases
amino acids anthropocentrism archaea argue astrobiology atmosphere Augustine Augustine’s biological Biosphere Cambridge University Press cells century challenges chemical Christian complex conflict context cosmic cosmology creation Darwin debate defining definition difficult discovery discussion Earth ecological ecosystems emergence energy environment environmental ethics evolution evolutionary example existence exobiology extrasolar planets extraterrestrial extremophiles field final find first flourishing Genesis genetic God’s habitable human idea implications infinite influence Intelligent Design interaction intrinsic value issues life’s origin liquid water living Mars Martian McKay meaning metabolic microbial molecular molecules moral NASA natural selection ofLife organisms origin-of-life oxygen perspective philosophical physical planetary ecosynthesis planetary protection plurality of worlds possible potential prebiotic principle proteins prudence question ratio-centrism reflect religious scenario science and religion scientific scientists self-replicating SETI significant solar system species specific stars story sufficient suggest surface temperature terraforming terrestrial theologians theological theory things tion understanding worldview