by Douglas A. Vakoch (Editor), Albert A. Harrison (Editor)

Astronomers around the world are pointing their telescopes toward the heavens, searching for signs of intelligent life. 

If they make contact with an advanced alien civilization, how will humankind respond? 

In thinking about first contact, the contributors to this volume present new empirical and theoretical research on the societal dimensions of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). 

Archaeologists and astronomers explore the likelihood that extraterrestrial intelligence exists, using scientific insights to estimate such elusive factors as the longevity of technological societies. 

Sociologists present the latest findings of novel surveys, tapping into the public’s attitudes about life beyond Earth to show how religion and education influence beliefs about extraterrestrials. 

Scholars from such diverse disciplines as mathematics, chemistry, journalism, and religious studies offer innovative solutions for bridging the cultural gap between human and extraterrestrial civilizations, while recognizing the tremendous challenges of communicating at interstellar distances. 

At a time when new planets are being discovered around other stars at an unprecedented rate, this collection provides a much needed guide to the human impact of discovering we are not alone in the universe.

Review

“At a time when new planets are being discovered around other stars at an unprecedented rate, this collection provides a much needed guide to the human impact of discovering we are not alone in the universe.”  · International Journal of Anthropology

“For years sections of the SETI [Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence] community have bemoaned the fact that the social sciences are often sidelined in favour of the hard sciences when it comes to SETI discussion. Civilizations Beyond Earth starts to redress the balance, edited skillfully by Douglas Vakoch, the only sociologist on staff at the SETI Institute in California, and Albert Harrison, a psychologist from the University of California.” ·  Astronomy

“…a fascinating collection of essays examining how humanity might react to extraterrestrials…While [the book] is academically rigorous, it’s also accessible...it remains an essential introduction for anyone interested in SETI, xenobiology and UFOs.”  ·  ForteanTimes

Categories : Astronomy, General Anthropology

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00JQTPEXO

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berghahn Books; 1st edition (September 1, 2011)

Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 1, 2011

Language ‏ : ‎ English

File ‏ : ‎EPUB, 583 KB

Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled

Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported

Print length ‏ : ‎ 240 pages