Supervisors info:
1. Stavros Ioannidis, Ass. Professor, Dept. History and Philosophy of Science UoA
2. Antonis Hatzimoysis, Professor, Dept. History and Philosophy of Science UoA
3. Chrysostomos Mantzavinos, Professor, Dept. History and Philosophy of Science UoA
Summary:
The field of astrobiology, exploring the existence and nature of extraterrestrial life, presents profound philosophical questions that challenge our understanding of life, ethics, and human existence. This dissertation investigates the philosophical dimensions of astrobiology, focusing on the justification of research, the definition of life, ethical considerations, and epistemological challenges. Astrobiology requires substantial resources, raising questions about its justification given Earth's pressing issues. Advocates argue that studying extraterrestrial life can enhance our understanding of Earth’s ecosystems and address environmental concerns, driven by humanity's intrinsic quest for knowledge and our place in the universe. Defining life within astrobiology is particularly challenging. Traditional Aristotelian definitions, based on necessary and sufficient characteristics, may not encompass novel life forms. Modern cognitive science and philosophy suggest that human categorization relies more on prototypes than rigid definitions, indicating our concept of life must adapt as we discover new phenomena. Ethical considerations are critical in astrobiology. Moral obligations to potential extraterrestrial life, the permissibility of terraforming, and preserving alien environments are key concerns. The risk of contamination and the ethics of spreading Earth life in space also require careful thought. These ethical issues intersect with political, economic, and social justice concerns, as space exploration decisions impact global stakeholders. Astrobiology also challenges our epistemological boundaries, questioning what is knowable and the limits of scientific inquiry. It demands a reconsideration of human knowledge boundaries and methodologies used in cosmic exploration. This dissertation aims to provide a comprehensive philosophical analysis of these issues, contributing to the broader discourse on the implications of discovering extraterrestrial life and humanity’s exploration of the universe.
Keywords:
astrobiology, exoplanets, philosophy of science, ethics, extraterrestrial life, definition of life, habitable zone, philosophy of astrobiology
