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Cosmic evolution: the context for astrobiology and its cultural implications

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2012

Steven J. Dick
Steven J. Dick*
Affiliation:
Division of Space History, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution, NASM 3559, MRC 311, Washington, DC 20013-7012 e-mail: stevedick1@comcast.net
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Abstract

Astrobiology must be seen in the context of cosmic evolution, the 13.7 billion-year master narrative of the universe. The idea of an evolving universe dates back only to the 19th century, and became a guiding principle for astronomical research only in the second half of the 20th century. The modern synthesis in evolutionary biology hastened the acceptance of the idea in its cosmic setting, as did the confirmation of the Big Bang theory for the origin of the universe. NASA programmes such as Origins incorporated it as a guiding principle. Cosmic evolution encompasses physical, biological and cultural evolution, and may result in a physical, biological or postbiological universe, each with its own implications for long-term human destiny, and each imbuing the meaning of life with different values. It has the status of an increasingly accepted worldview that is beginning to have a profound effect not only in science but also in religion and philosophy.

Keywords

biological universecosmic evolutioncosmotheologycultural evolutionhuman destinypostbiological universesocietal impact of astrobiology
Type
Research Article
Information
International Journal of Astrobiology , Volume 11 , Issue 4: SPECIAL ISSUE: THE SAO PAULO ADVANCED SCHOOL OF ASTROBIOLOGY – SPASA 2011 , October 2012 , pp. 203 - 216
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012

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