Exploring the Origin, Extent, and Future of Life: Philosophical, Ethical and Theological Perspectives (Cambridge Astrobiology, Series Number 4)

ISBN 10: 0521863635 / ISBN 13: 9780521863636

Published by Cambridge University Press, 2009

About this Item

Seller Inventory # I-9780521863636

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Exploring the Origin, Extent, and Future of Life: Philosophical, Ethical and Theological Perspectives (Cambridge Astrobiology, Series Number 4)
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication Date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521863635
• ISBN 13: 9780521863636
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

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.

About the Author

Constance M. Bertka is an Adjunct Professor at the Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington DC. Until recently, she was Director of the Program of Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).