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

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.