Astrobiology, History, and Society: Life Beyond Earth and the Impact of Discovery (Advances in Astrobiology and Biogeophysics)

Foreword -- Preface -- Acknowledgments -- Part I. The early extraterrestrial life debate: 1. The extraterrestrial life debate from antiquity to 1900 / Michael J. Crowe and Matthew F. Dowd; 2. Early modern ET, reflexive telescopics, and their relevance today / Dennis Danielson; 3. Extraterrestrial life as the great analogy, two centuries ago and in modern astrobiology / Woodruff T. Sullivan III; 4. Hegel, analogy, and extraterrestrial life / Joseph T. Ross; 5. The relationship between the origins of life on earth and the possibility of life on other planets: a nineteenth-century perspective; 6. Pioneering concepts of planetary habitability / Florence Raulin Cerceau -- Part II. The modern extraterrestrial life debate: 7. The twentieth century history of the extraterrestrial life debate: major themes and lessons learned / Steven J. Dick; 8. The creator of astrobotany, Gavriil Adrianovich Tikhov / Danielle Briot; 9. Life beyond earth and the evolutionary synthesis / Douglas A. Vakoch; 10. The first thousand exoplanets: twenty years of excitement and discovery / Chris Impey; 11. Extraterrestrial life in the microbial age / Aaron L. Gronstal;This book addresses important current and historical topics in astrobiology and the search for life beyond Earth, including the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). Foreword 7 Preface 10 Acknowledgments 17 Contents 19 Part I The Early Extraterrestrial Life Debate 27 1 The Extraterrestrial Life Debate from Antiquity to 1900 28 Abstract 28 1.1 Introduction 29 1.2 Before the Eighteenth Century 29 1.2.1 The Ancient and Medieval Periods 30 1.2.2 The Copernican Cosmological Shift 31 1.2.3 Two Underlying Principles 32 1.2.4 The Seventeenth Century 32 1.2.5 Reaching a Wider Audience 35 1.2.6 Extraterrestrials and Religion at the End of the Seventeenth Century 37 1.3 The Extraterrestrial Life Debate in the Eighteenth Century 38 1.3.1 The Period from 1700 to 1750 38 1.3.2 The Sidereal Revolution of the 1750–1800 Period 42 1.3.3 At the End of the Eighteenth Century 47 1.4 The Extraterrestrial Life Debate in the First Half of the Nineteenth Century 49 1.4.1 Some Considerations from Science 49 1.4.2 Some Prominent Philosophers 51 1.4.3 Religious Issues 53 1.4.3.1 Three Authors in the Paine Tradition 54 1.4.3.2 Some Authors in the Christian Tradition 55 1.4.3.3 Two New Religions Involving Extraterrestrials 57 1.4.4 The Sun and Moon as Special Cases 58 1.4.4.1 The Sun 58 1.4.4.2 The Moon 60 1.5 The Extraterrestrial Life Debate in the Second Half of the Nineteenth Century 62 1.5.1 William Whewell 63 1.5.2 Richard Anthony Proctor and Camille Flammarion 65 1.5.3 The Sun and Moon 66 1.5.4 Messages and Meteorites 67 1.5.5 The Rise and Fall of the Island Universe Theory 69 1.5.6 Extraterrestrials and Evolutionary Theory 70 1.5.7 The Controversy over the Canals of Mars 70 1.5.8 The Extraterrestrial Life Debate at the End of the Nineteenth Century 73 1.6 Overview of Part I 74 1.7 An Addendum by Michael J. Crowe: Updating My Extraterrestrial Life Debate (1986) 77 1.7.1 Blaise Pascal, Copernicanism, and Parallax 77 1.7.2 Immanuel Kant and “The Starry Skies Above Me” 78 1.7.3 On Investigating the History of the Extraterrestrial Life Debate 79 References 80 2 Early Modern ET, Reflexive Telescopics, and Their Relevance Today 82 Abstract 82 2.1 Introduction 83 2.2 “Two Storeys” of the Universe 83 2.3 “The Shadow of Heaven” 84 2.4 “Each Star an Island” 87 2.5 “The Light of the Earth” 88 2.6 “To Make Wings, and Fly Up” 90 2.7 Reflexive Telescopics 91 References 96 3 Extraterrestrial Life as the Great Analogy, Two Centuries Ago and in Modern Astrobiology 98 Abstract 98 3.1 Introduction 98 3.2 Analogy 99 3.3 Eighteenth Century Views on Extraterrestrial Life 101 3.4 William Herschel 102 3.5 Herschel and the Inhabited Sun 105 3.6 Conclusion 106 References 107 4 Hegel, Analogy, and Extraterrestrial Life 109 Abstract 109 4.1 Introduction 110 4.2 A Brief History of the Multiple Meanings of Analogy 111 4.3 Hegel and Analogy 117 4.4 Earth as Such and Earth in General 119 4.5 Conclusion 123 References 124 5 The Relationship Between the Origins of Life on Earth and the Possibility of Life on Other Planets: A Nineteenth-Century Perspective 126 Abstract 126 5.1 Introduction 127 5.2 Origins of Life, Evolution, and Environmental Conditions 127 5.3 Evolution and Panspermia: A Complex Relationship 129 5.4 Emergence and Evolution of Life on Other Planets 130 5.4.1 Astronomical Culture and the Conception of Life on Other Planets: Camille Flammarion 130 5.4.2 Lamarckian Biological Culture and the Conception of Life on Other Planets: Edmond Perrier 131 5.5 From Analogy to Utopia 134 5.6 Conclusion 134 References 135 6 Pioneering Concepts of Planetary Habitability 137 Abstract 137 6.1 Introduction 138 6.2 The Question of the Plurality of Worlds Through the Ages 139 6.3 The Nineteenth-Century Pioneers of Planetary Habitability 140 6.3.1 Richard A. Proctor (1837–1888) 141 6.3.2 Jules Janssen (1824–1907) 142 6.3.3 Camille Flammarion (1842–1925) 143 6.4 Concept of Planetary Ecology 145 6.5 Dole’s Habitability 147 6.6 Conclusion 148 References 150 Part II The Modern Extraterrestrial Life Debate 152 7 The Twentieth Century History of the Extraterrestrial Life Debate: Major Themes and Lessons Learned 153 Abstract 153 7.1 Major Themes of the Debate 153 7.1.1 Planetary Science 154 7.1.2 Planetary Systems 155 7.1.3 Origins of Life 157 7.1.4 Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence 158 7.1.5 Birth of a New Discipline 160 7.1.6 Cosmic Evolution as the Context for Astrobiology 161 7.1.7 The Biological Universe as Worldview 162 7.2 Lessons Learned from the Twentieth Century Extraterrestrial Life Debate 163 7.2.1 Evidence, Inference and Preconceptions 164 7.2.1.1 Vegetation on Mars? 165 7.2.1.2 Organics on Mars? The Viking Experiments 167 7.2.1.3 The Mars Rock 172 7.2.1.4 Planetary Systems? 174 7.2.2 The Role of Theory 179 7.2.3 Testing History: Plenitude, Mediocrity, Anthropocentrism and Rare Earth 185 7.3 Overview of Part II 188 References 189 8 The Creator of Astrobotany, Gavriil Adrianovich Tikhov 194 Abstract 194 8.1 Introduction 195 8.2 Biography and Early Works 195 8.3 Study of Earthshine 196 8.4 Birth of Astrobotany 197 8.5 From Astrobotany to Astrobiology and Cosmobiology 199 8.6 Contemporary Studies 199 8.7 Present Studies 200 8.8 Conclusion 202 References 203 9 Life Beyond Earth and the Evolutionary Synthesis 205 Abstract 205 9.1 Introduction 206 9.2 Early Critiques of Darwin’s Theory of Evolution 207 9.3 The Evolutionary Synthesis 208 9.4 The Evolutionary Synthesis and Extraterrestrial Life 209 9.4.1 Simpson on the Nonprevalence of Humonoids 209 9.4.2 Dobzhansky Against the Convergent Evolution of Extraterrestrial Life 210 9.4.3 Muller, Mutation, and Intelligence 211 9.4.4 Mayr and the Importance of Chance 212 9.4.5 Divergent Views of Extraterrestrial Life: Outside and Within the Evolutionary Synthesis 212 9.5 Conclusion 215 References 215 10 The First Thousand Exoplanets: Twenty Years of Excitement and Discovery 218 Abstract 218 10.1 Introduction 219 10.2 The Detection Problem 219 10.3 Failure and Frustration 220 10.4 The First Discoveries 220 10.5 Surprise and Confusion 221 10.6 Methods of Detection 222 10.7 The Exoplanet Zoo 224 10.8 The Hunt for Earths 224 10.9 Habitable Real Estate 225 10.10 Biomarkers and Life 226 10.11 Conclusion 227 References 228 11 Extraterrestrial Life in the Microbial Age 230 Abstract 230 11.1 Changing Views of Extraterrestrial 230 11.2 Microbiology: A New Understanding of Life’s Potential 232 11.3 Social Implications 234 11.4 Economic Implications 236 11.5 Conclusion 238 References 238 Part III Societal Impact of Discovering Extraterrestrial Life 242 12 The Societal Impact of Extraterrestrial Life: The Relevance of History and the Social Sciences 243 Abstract 243 12.1 Introduction: Past Studies and General Principles 243 12.2 The Relevance of History 246 12.2.1 Past Impact 246 12.2.2 The Validity and Role of Analogues 247 12.2.3 The Utility of Past Impact Studies in Science and Technology 252 12.2.4 Extraterrestrial Life in the Context of Discovery and Exploration 253 12.3 The Relevance of the Social Sciences 254 12.3.1 Anthropology 255 12.3.2 Sociology 256 12.4 Impacts on Theology and Philosophy as Exemplars 258 12.4.1 Theology 258 12.4.2 Philosophy 262 12.5 Overview of Part III 264 References 267 13 Cultural Resources and Cognitive Frames: Keys to an Anthropological Approach to Prediction 274 Abstract 274 13.1 Introduction 275 13.2 Intelligent Life 276 13.3 Life Itself 279 13.4 Conclusion 281 References 283 14 The Detection of Extraterrestrial Life: Are We Ready? 285 Abstract 285 14.1 Is There Anybody Out There? 286 14.2 Science and Science Fiction: The War of the Worlds 286 14.3 Our Place in the Universe 287 14.4 Changing Perspectives: The Vision of New Worlds 288 14.5 ET Life in Numbers: Yes or No? 289 14.6 E.T. or ETI?: On the History of Ideas and Confusion 290 14.7 Are We Ready for Contact? 292 References 294 15 Impact of Extraterrestrial Life Discovery for Third World Societies: Anthropological and Public Health Considerations 296 Abstract 296 15.1 Introduction 296 15.2 Background 297 15.3 Human Cultural Response to Novel Events 298 15.3.1 Religion and the Creation of the Earth, Heavens and People 298 15.3.2 News Carriers 299 15.3.3 Traditional Stories 300 15.4 Preparing for the Possibility of Extraterrestrial Life 303 15.4.1 Potential Impact of Extraterrestrial Life Discovery for Third World Countries 305 15.4.2 Collection of Data for the Development of Educational Programs 305 15.4.3 Ethnographic (Qualitative) Methods 306 15.4.3.1 Direct Observation 307 15.4.3.2 Participant Observation 307 15.4.3.3 In-Depth Interviews 307 15.4.3.4 Key Informant Interviews 308 15.4.3.5 Focus Groups 308 15.4.3.6 Community Discussion (Charlas) 308 15.4.3.7 Photovoice 309 15.4.4 Caveats 309 15.4.5 The Next Step: Application of Survey Results to EducationalPreparedness Programs 309 15.5 Conclusion 310 References 310 16 Impossible Predictions of the Unprecedented: Analogy, History, and the Work of Prognostication 313 Abstract 313 16.1 Introduction 314 16.2 The Use of Analogies 314 16.3 What SETI Thinkers Have Written About Using Earth’s Intercultural Contacts as Analogies for SETI Contact 317 16.4 A Deeper Problem 319 16.5 What Are We Doing When We Prognosticate About the Potential Impacts of a Detection or Contact? And Might We Do Something Else? 321 16.6 Conclusion 323 References 323 17 Mainstream Media and Social Media Reactions to the Discovery of Extraterrestrial Life 325 Abstract 325 17.1 Introduction 326 17.2 Preconceptions for This Chapter 327 17.3 The Fall of Traditional Media 327 17.4 Skepticism 329 17.5 Words and Pictures 329 17.6 Traffic Jams and Cybersecurity 331 17.7 Filling the Air 332 17.8 Persuasion and Agenda-Setting 333 17.9 Two-Step Communication 334 17.10 Viral Transmissions on Social Media 335 17.11 Online Collaborative Media 336 17.12 Shared Video 337 17.13 Crisis Management 337 17.14 Monitoring the Public 338 17.15 Other Cultures 339 17.16 Conclusion 339 References 339 18 Christianity’s Response to the Discovery of Extraterrestrial Intelligent Life: Insights from Science and Religion and the Sociology of Religion 341 Abstract 341 18.1 Introduction 341 18.2 Conventional Wisdom of the SETI and Astrobiology Community? 342 18.3 The Response from Contemporary Christian Theologians 344 18.4 Insights from Science and Religion 345 18.5 Insights from the Sociology of Religion 349 18.6 Conclusion 350 References 351 19 Would the Discovery of ETI Provoke a Religious Crisis? 353 Abstract 353 19.1 The Prophets of Crisis 354 19.2 The Peters ETI Religious Crisis Survey 356 19.3 The Question of Geocentrism and Anthropocentrism 361 19.4 Conclusion 365 References 366 About the Authors 368 Index 374 This Book Addresses Important Current And Historical Topics In Astrobiology And The Search For Life Beyond Earth, Including The Search For Extraterrestrial Intelligence (seti). The First Section Covers The Plurality Of Worlds Debate From Antiquity Through The Nineteenth Century, While Section Two Covers The Extraterrestrial Life Debate From The Twentieth Century To The Present. The Final Section Examines The Societal Impact Of Discovering Life Beyond Earth, Including Both Cultural And Religious Dimensions. Throughout The Book, Authors Draw Links Between Their Own Chapters And Those Of Other Contributors, Emphasizing The Interconnections Between The Various Strands Of The History And Societal Impact Of The Search For Extraterrestrial Life. The Chapters Are All Written By Internationally Recognized Experts And Are Carefully Edited By Douglas Vakoch, Professor Of Clinical Psychology At The California Institute Of Integral Studies And Director Of Interstellar Message Composition At The Seti Institute. This Interdisciplinary Book Will Benefit Everybody Trying To Understand The Meaning Of Astrobiology And Seti For Our Human Society. Part I. The Early Extraterrestrial Life Debate -- Chapter 1. The Extraterrestrial Life Debate From Antiquity To 1900 -- Chapter 2. Early Modern Et, Reflexive Telescopics, And Their Relevance Today -- Chapter 3. Extraterrestrial Life As The Great Analogy, Two Centuries Ago And In Modern Astrobiology -- Chapter 4. Hegel, Analogy, And Extraterrestrial Life -- Chapter 5. The Relationship Between The Origins Of Life On Earth And The Possibility Of Life On Other Planets: A Nineteenth-century Perspective -- Chapter 6. Pioneering Concepts Of Planetary Habitability -- Part Ii. The Modern Extraterrestrial Life Debate -- Chapter 7. The Twentieth Century History Of The Extraterrestrial Life Debate: Major Themes And Lessons Learned -- Chapter 8. The Creator Of Astrobotany, Gavriil Adrianovich Tikhov -- Chapter 9. Life Beyond Earth And The Evolutionary Synthesis -- Chapter 10. The First Thousand Exoplanets: Two Decades Of Excitement And Discovery -- Chapter 11. Extraterrestrial Life In The Microbial Age -- Part Iii. Societal Impact Of Discovering Extraterrestrial Life -- Chapter 12. The Societal Impact Of Extraterrestrial Life: The Relevance Of History And The Social Sciences -- Chapter 13. Cultural Resources And Cognitive Frames: Keys To An Anthropological Approach To Prediction -- Chapter 14. The Detection Of Extraterrestrial Life: Are We Ready? -- Chapter 15. Impact Of Extraterrestrial Life Discovery For Third World Societies: Anthropological And Public Health Considerations -- Chapter 16. Impossible Predictions Of The Unprecedented: Analogy, History, And The Work Of Prognostication -- Chapter 17. Mainstream Media And Social Media Reactions To The Discovery Of Extraterrestrial Life -- Chapter 18. Christianity’s Response To The Discovery Of Extraterrestrial Intelligent Life: Insights From Science And Religion And The Sociology Of Religion -- Chapter 19. Would The Discovery Of Eti Provoke A Religious Crisis? -- Index. . Edited By Douglas A. Vakoch. Foreword -- Preface -- Acknowledgments -- Part I. The early extraterrestrial life debate: 1. The extraterrestrial life debate from antiquity to 1900 / Michael J. Crowe and Matthew F. Dowd 2. Early modern ET, reflexive telescopics, and their relevance today / Dennis Danielson 3. Extraterrestrial life as the great analogy, two centuries ago and in modern astrobiology / Woodruff T. Sullivan III 4. Hegel, analogy, and extraterrestrial life / Joseph T. Ross 5. The relationship between the origins of life on earth and the possibility of life on other planets: a nineteenth-century perspective 6. Pioneering concepts of planetary habitability / Florence Raulin Cerceau -- Part II. The modern extraterrestrial life debate: 7. The twentieth century history of the extraterrestrial life debate: major themes and lessons learned / Steven J. Dick 8. The creator of astrobotany, Gavriil Adrianovich Tikhov / Danielle Briot 9. Life beyond earth and the evolutionary synthesis / Douglas A. Vakoch 10. The first thousand exoplanets: twenty years of excitement and discovery / Chris Impey 11. Extraterrestrial life in the microbial age / Aaron L. Gronstal Part III. Societal impact of discovering extraterrestrial life: 12. The societal impact of extraterrestrial life: the relevance of history and the social sciences / Steven J. Dick 13. Cultural resources and cognitive frames: keys to an anthropological approach to prediction / Ian Lowrie 14. The detection of extraterrestrial life: are we ready? / Klara Anna Capova Appendix I. List of films 15. Impact of extraterrestrial life discovery for third world societies: anthropological and public health considerations / M. Margaret Weigel and Kathryn Coe 16. Impossible predictions of the unprecedented: analogy, history, and the work of prognostication / Kathryn Denning 17. Mainstream media and social media reactions to the discovery of extraterrestrial life / Morris Jones 18. Christianity's response to the discovery of extraterrestrial intelligent life: insights from science and religion and the sociology of religion / Constance M. Bertka 19. Would the discovery of ETI provoke a religious crisis? / Ted Peters -- About the authors.