Executive Summary
Conclusions
The twin pillars of astrobiology—searching for evidence of extraterrestrial life and preparing for a future where men and women will live far away from their native planet—have profound implications for current and future generations. Astrobiology provides an excellent opportunity to captivate the interest of the public and initiate a broad dialogue on humanity’s future. This rich and multifaceted field offers a magnificent opportunity to raise the level of public discourse, to involve people in discussions of the major issues of the cosmos.
In our attempts to engage the public in astrobiology, we must foster mutual respect and build a true dialogue. A dialogue is not to be confused with telling people how it is, or what they should do. We should present our ideas, but also listen. Because of the complex multidisciplinary nature of astrobiology and because of its profound implications, we must be attuned to society. Rather than avoiding controversy, we should engage controversy rapidly and fully. We must also recognize that for many people science does not have all of the answers. As experts, our views will not necessarily be given more weight than anyone else’s will. Religion shapes many people’s worldviews and helps them adapt to changing conditions.
Scientists who do cutting-edge research are not necessarily the best communicators. People who can serve as interpreters—representing scientific views to the public and the public’s views to the scientific community—will be very valuable. Unfortunately, K-12 teachers, lecturers, and other people who serve interpretive roles tend to be undervalued.
As we work with the public we can capitalize on their sense of awe and wonder, on their pre-existing interest in the "deepening mystery" of the universe. We can discuss strange and wonderful possibilities. Yet it is crucial to maintain scientific values and research credibility despite engaging in very far-ranging discussions with a wide variety of people. Astrobiology is posed to be a new and powerful interface between the space science and the public. NASA is advised to actively embrace the inherent dialogic opportunities that this metascience offers.
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