| Description |
1 online resource (795 pages) |
| Contents |
Intro -- Preface: Cosmos and Culture -- Contents -- Part I: The Biological Universe -- Chapter 1: Plurality of Worlds: A Persistent Theme in Western Civilization -- 1.1 Introduction -- 1.2 The Cosmological Connection -- 1.3 Philosophical Explorations -- 1.4 Scientific Foundations -- 1.5 Commentary 2020 -- References -- Chapter 2: The Twentieth Century History of the Extraterrestrial Life Debate: Major Themes -- 2.1 Introduction -- 2.2 Major Themes of the Debate -- 2.2.1 Planetary Science -- 2.2.2 Planetary Systems -- 2.2.3 Origins of Life -- 2.2.4 Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence |
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2.3 Birth of a New Discipline -- 2.4 Cosmic Evolution as the Context for Astrobiology -- 2.5 The Biological Universe as Worldview -- 2.6 Commentary 2020 -- References -- Chapter 3: From the Physical World to the Biological Universe: Historical Developments Underlying the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) -- 3.1 Introduction -- 3.2 Long-Term Developments -- 3.3 Short-Term Developments -- 3.4 Summary -- 3.5 Commentary 2020 -- References -- Chapter 4: The Biophysical Cosmology: The Place of Bioastronomy in the History of Science -- 4.1 Introduction -- 4.2 Bioastronomy as Cosmology |
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4.3 Role of Cosmic Evolution -- 4.4 Science at its Limits -- 4.5 Implications -- 4.6 Summary -- 4.7 Commentary 2020 -- References -- Chapter 5: The Biological Universe Revisited -- 5.1 Introduction -- 5.2 Cosmic Evolution: Three Possible Outcomes -- 5.3 The Physical Universe -- 5.4 The Biological Universe -- 5.5 The Postbiological Universe -- 5.6 Summary -- 5.7 Commentary 2020 -- References -- Chapter 6: Back to the Future: SETI before the Space Age -- 6.1 The Radio Pioneers: Tesla and Marconi -- 6.2 David P. Todd, Balloon SETI and Other Schemes |
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6.3 Donald Menzel, Radio Amateurs and Radio Astronomy -- 6.4 Two Eras, Two Outcomes? -- References -- Chapter 7: The Drake Equation in Context -- 7.1 Origins of the Equation -- 7.2 The Equation in Context -- 7.3 Hidden Assumptions -- 7.4 Criticisms and Variations -- 7.5 Future of the Equation -- 7.6 Commentary 2020 -- References -- Part II: Cosmic Evolution and Implications of Alien Life -- Chapter 8: Cosmic Evolution: History, Culture, and Human Destiny -- 8.1 Introduction -- 8.2 Cosmic Evolution and History -- 8.3 Cosmic Evolution and Culture |
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8.4 Cosmic Evolution and Human Destiny: Three Scenarios -- References -- Chapter 9: Consequences of Success in SETI: Lessons from the History of Science -- 9.1 Introduction: The Relevance of History of Science -- 9.2 The Transmission of Science to the West in the Twelfth and Thirteenth Centuries -- 9.3 Cosmology as an Analogue -- 9.4 Darwinian Evolution as an Analogue -- 9.5 Conclusions -- 9.6 Commentary 2020 -- References -- Chapter 10: Cultural Aspects of Astrobiology: A Preliminary Reconnaissance at the Turn of the Millennium -- 10.1 Justification for Study of Cultural Questions -- 10.2 Astrobiology's Three Fundamental Questions and their Implications |
| Summary |
In this comprehensive and interdisciplinary volume, former NASA Chief Historian Steven Dick reflects on the exploration of space, astrobiology and its implications, cosmic evolution, astronomical institutions, discovering and classifying the cosmos, and the philosophy of astronomy. The unifying theme of the book is the connection between cosmos and culture, or what Carl Sagan many years ago called the "cosmic connection." As both an astronomer and historian of science, Dr. Dick has been both a witness to and a participant in many of the astronomical events of the last half century. This collection of papers presents his reflections over the last forty years in a way accessible to historians, philosophers, and scientists alike. From the search for alien life to ongoing space exploration efforts, readers will find this volume full of engaging topics relevant to science, society, and our collective future on planet Earth and beyond |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references and index |
| Notes |
Print version record |
| Subject |
Cosmology.
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cosmology.
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Relativity physics.
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History of science.
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UFOs & extraterrestrial beings.
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Science -- Cosmology.
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Science -- History.
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Science -- Astronomy.
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Cosmology
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| Form |
Electronic book
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| ISBN |
9783030416140 |
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3030416143 |
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