Workshop Report: Philosophical, Ethical, and Theological Implications of Astrobiology
Washington DC: American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2007. Presumed First Edition, First printing. Trade paperback. ii, 242, [26] pages. Index. Cover worn and soiled with tear at bottom spine. Ink marks and circles to text in a number of places noted. Some corners creased. Pages 5-26 had become disbound and were reglued into the binding. Connie Bertka is a planetary scientist and former director of the American Association for the Advancement of Science Program for Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion. She received her theological training at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., where she also lectures on the intersection of science and religion. Evolution, astrobiology, and science education are among her topics of special interest. Astrobiology is a branch of biology concerned with the origins, early evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe. Astrobiology considers the question of whether extraterrestrial life exists, and how humans can detect it if it does. Astrobiology makes use of molecular biology, biophysics, biochemistry, chemistry, astronomy, exoplanetology and geology to investigate the possibility of life on other worlds and help recognize biospheres that might be different from that on Earth. The origin and early evolution of life is an inseparable part of the discipline of astrobiology. Astrobiology concerns itself with interpretation of scientific data, and although speculation is entertained to give context, astrobiology concerns itself primarily with hypotheses that fit firmly into existing scientific theories. This interdisciplinary field encompasses research on the origin of planetary systems, origins of organic compounds in space, rock-water-carbon interactions, planetary habitability, research on biosignatures for life detection, and studies on the potential for life to adapt to challenges on Earth and in outer space. The search for evidence of habitability, taphonomy, and organic molecules on the planet Mars is now a NASA objective. Condition: Fair.
Keywords: Astrobiology, Origin of Life, NASA, National Aeronautics and Space, Jack Szostak, Holmes Ralston, SETI, Extraterrestrial, Steven Dick, Ernan McMullin, Carl Pilcher, Lynn Rothschild, John Rummel, James Strick, Jacques Arnould, Iris Fry, Robert Hazen
ISBN: 9780871687159
[Book #75458]
Price: $75.00