Executive Summary
Areas for Future Research
Workshop participants developed a strong case for a high level of research and outreach efforts before the fact. Research on the societal implications of astrobiology should be incorporated into core science initiatives as well as education and outreach activities.
- What are the biological, psychological, and cultural factors that compel humankind to envision life beyond our planet’s surface? Why do we seek evidence of extraterrestrial life and intelligence, and why do we strive to establish a continuing human presence off of our home planet? Is there an "extraterrestrial imperative" that pushes us towards the stars? How do these forces vary across individuals and cultures? The public’s attitudes towards astrobiology rest on multiple motives that are important to understand in their own right, because they can speed or retard astrobiological research.
- There are many cultural and individual differences in expectations about life in the universe. Different expectations are likely to prompt different responses to the discovery of extraterrestrial life. Therefore we should conduct empirical studies relating cultural and individual differences to beliefs in extraterrestrial life and how the discovery of such life could influence humanity. We may not be able to make specific predictions of reactions to extraterrestrial life, but we can explore the possibilities in a systematic way. By developing sound research strategies and measurement devices early on, we will be able to mount prompt research efforts following any announcement of the confirmation of extraterrestrial life. At that point we will not have to undertake lengthy preparations before we can collect the information that we need to "manage" contact and plan for the post-contact world.
- Our discussion has focused on attitudes found within contemporary western society. Yet, astrobiology has implications for all of humankind. One urgent requirement is to extend our explorations to people from radically different societies, religions, and cultures. As we conduct such investigations we must be mindful to avoid arrogance and show sensitivity to cultural differences.
- How can we formulate a cohesive plan of action for short-term and
long-term response to extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI)? Possible
strategies include the following:
- Developing scenario-contingent strategies for managing discovery
and its aftermath; undertaking studies based on analogues in the humanities
and history.
- Reviewing the social and behavioral sciences, and science fiction
to determine likely reactions.
- Undertaking carefully planned cross-cultural polls and other empirical
studies.
- Exploring the capacity of religion as a resource to absorb impact of discovery and to maintain beneficial relations with ETI.
- The consequences for society of the discovery of extraterrestrial life will greatly depend on the nature of that life, where it is found, and how the discovery unfolds. Whereas we cannot with any certainty predict this response, we can systematically review some of the possibilities. This will require further discussions involving representatives of disciplines and viewpoints that were not present at this workshop, empirical research, and efforts to tie research to policy recommendations.
- What are the implications for humans of different strategies for robotic and piloted missions within our solar system and beyond? What are possible biological, psychological, and cultural consequences of human migration beyond our home planet? How might we envision interplanetary and interstellar humanity?
- What are the ethical issues involved in exploring other planets? How might these lead to policies that define appropriate and inappropriate life-altering interventions? What practical steps could we take to implement these policies?
- How can we use astrobiology to develop new and powerful educational tools to engage the interests of contemporary students and broaden their understanding of physical, natural and social sciences? Can we develop a multimedia approach based on a combination of interactive web sites, television programming, and publications? Would it be possible to engage partners from the private sector in this massive venture?
 Previous:
|
 |