Astrobiology, Discovery, and Societal Impact

Steven J. Dick is one of the best known and most qualified writers on topics relating to humanity's thoughts on extraterrestrial life. He held the 2014 Baruch S. Blumberg NASA/Library of Congress Chair in Astrobiology at the John W. Kluge Center of the Library of Congress. In 2013 he testified before Congress on the subject of astrobiology. He served as the Charles A. Lindbergh Chair in Aerospace History at the National Air and Space Museum from 2011–2012, and as the NASA Chief Historian and Director of the NASA History Office from 2003–2009. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the NASA Exceptional Service Medal and the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Medal, and is author or editor of 20 books, including The Biological Universe (Cambridge, 2008). He was awarded the 2006 LeRoy E. Doggett Prize for Historical Astronomy of the American Astronomical Society. In 2009 the International Astronomical Union designated minor planet 6544 Stevendick in his honor.

• Introduction. When biospheres collide; Part I. Approaches: 1. History; 2. Discovery; 3. Analogy; Part II. Critical Issues: 4. Can we transcend anthropocentrism?; 5. Is human knowledge universal?; 6. How can we envision impact?; Part III. Impact!: 7. Astroculture: transforming our worldviews; 8. Astroethics: interacting with alien life; 9. Astropolicy: preparing for discovery; 10. Summary and conclusions: at home in the biological (or postbiological) universe; Bibliography; Index.

'At last, a comprehensive and level-headed analysis of what it means for humanity should we discover alien life - an event that would utterly transform our worldview. Steven J. Dick, the world's foremost scholar in this field, leads us from the lessons of history to the tantalizing promise of astrobiology's emerging technologies. Admirably, he does not shy away from confronting the ethical, societal and theological ramifications that most commentators fudge. This is a 'must-buy' book for anyone who thinks seriously about the age-old question of whether or not we alone in the universe.' Paul Davies, Arizona State University, and author of The Eerie Silence: Are We Alone in the Universe?