Exo-Astrosociology
and the
FUTURE OF TERRESTRIAL
SOCIETIES
Jim Pass, Ph.D.
CEO, Astrosociology Research Institute
INTRODUCTION
This essay focuses squarely on a single topic related to how
terrestrial societies may develop into the future due to influences
associated with the continuing search for extraterrestrial (ET) life. While
a multitude of factors impact on a given society’s movement through
history, a subset of space exploration initiatives is often forgotten in
terms of how it affects humankind. That is, space policy is increasingly
being affected by the existential question regarding whether or not
humankind represents the only life in our universe. Part of it deals
with the potential loneliness if truly alone; and apparently increasingly
prevalent is the fear that humankind is not alone and perhaps other
intelligent species are conspiring to enslave or extinguish human life.
Thus, the search for ET life, especially intelligent life, continues to exert
a steady influence on space exploration and policy.
This topic is relevant to astrosociologists. Astrosociology is the study
of astrosocial phenomena (i.e., social, cultural, and behavioral patterns
related to outer space). A subfield of astrosociology called exo-
astrosociology focuses strictly on astrosocial phenomena related to
extraterrestrial life. In a sense, it is the social-scientific complement to
SETI (the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) and astrobiology. This
subfield focuses on finding extraterrestrial life as well, but it is much
more concerned about how the search affects terrestrial societies.
Ongoing astronomical and astrobiological discoveries seem to make
the possibility of ET life more probable, which impacts on scientists
and laypersons alike (Pass, 2010). Beyond that, any indications of life
beyond our Solar System will also impact on terrestrial societies both
in predictable and unforeseeable ways. For example, some religious
groups will need to update their dogmas or refute the discovery of ET
life should it occur.
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HUMAN FUTURES
HUMAN FUTURES
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