Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence : the First Encounter / Edited by James L. Christian

Christian, James L. (Ed. )

ISBN 10: 0879750642 / ISBN 13: 9780879750640

Published by Buffalo : Prometheus Books, 1976

About this Item

Very good paperback copy. Spine bands and panel edges slightly dust-toned and rubbed as with age. Remains particularly well-preserved overall; tight, bright, clean and strong; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 303 pages; Description: xi, 303 p. : ill. ; 24 cm. Bibliography: p. 301-303. Subjects: Life on other planets. Series: Impact 1 Kg.

Seller Inventory # 166078

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence : the First Encounter / Edited by James L. Christian
• Publisher: Buffalo : Prometheus Books
• Publication Date: 1976
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0879750642
• ISBN 13: 9780879750640
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: First Edition.
• Weight: 1 kilogram

About this title

Synopsis

For centuries, from the earliest legends of the man on the moon, mankind has fantasized and speculated about other life in the universe. With the discovery of biochemical evolution - which showed how life could evolve out of simple compounds - those speculations took on a new dimension. Most scientists now believe that it is possible that there is other intelligent life in the universe.

What are the possibilities of our making contact with ETIs in the profound vastness of space (a problem, as Isaac Asimov notes, too easily dismissed by cultists)? What will be the consequences to our images of ourselves and our world of the first proven contact with beings from another planet, since they are likely to be of superior intelligence? Could we still believe in the value of life as we live it? How would it affect mankind's religions, both Western and Eastern? Would it in fact mean, as Arthur C. Clarke has said, an end to mankind's childhood?

These and other questions are explored in Extraterrestrial Intelligence - from the most practical issues, such as how the news of contact should be handled, to the most exciting and troubling questions of philosophy, religion, and science.

Extraterrestrial Intelligence begins the search for a cosmic context for mankind. It leads the way in reflecting on the next stage in our gradual self-discovery.