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Question
Where do you think philosophers fit under the astrobiology umbrella? Do you think philosophy is a key aspect of astrobiology?
Yes, there is a role for philosophy in astrobiology. One major question deals with the definition of life and with the criteria that make sense for the detection of extraterrestrial life. Another concerns the ways society would react to the discovery of extraterrestrial life. There are also ethical issues concerning the export of life from Earth to other worlds, and the nature of our obligation to preserve alien environments. One interesting book that discussed some of these issues is "Science, Society, and the Search for Life in the Universe" by Bruce M. Jakosky.
David Morrison
NAI Senior Scientist
November 28, 2008
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