Widening Perspectives: The Intellectual and Social Benefits of Astrobiology (Regardless of Whether Extraterrestrial Life is Discovered or Not)
Ian A. Crawford

TL;DR
Astrobiology's interdisciplinary approach fosters a cosmic and evolutionary worldview that benefits society, independent of discovering extraterrestrial life.
Contribution
This paper highlights the societal and intellectual benefits of astrobiology beyond the search for extraterrestrial life.
Findings
Fosters a cosmic worldview beneficial to society
Encourages interdisciplinary scientific collaboration
Enhances understanding of life's origins and evolution
Abstract
Astrobiology is usually defined as the study of the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe. As such it is inherently interdisciplinary and cannot help but engender a worldview infused by cosmic and evolutionary perspectives. Both these attributes of the study of astrobiology are, and will increasingly prove to be, beneficial to society regardless of whether extraterrestrial life is discovered or not.
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Taxonomy
TopicsSpace Science and Extraterrestrial Life · Planetary Science and Exploration · Spaceflight effects on biology
