Overview
Discusses the possibility that other intelligent beings exist in the Universe whom we can contact through either radio communications or space travel
Looks at mankind’s perspective of its place in the Universe
In addition to the scientific and technical implications, looks at the philosophical and religious implications of extraterrestrial intelligence
Looks at the possibility of extraterrestrial life from our understanding of the universe, summarising cosmic, chemical and biological evolution
Discusses the possibility that astronautics using faster-than-light space travel might accelerate future contact of humankind with ETI
Makes a firm stance against pseudo-scientific statements, stressing that an exceptional discovery requires exceptional evidence
Discusses and compares recent theories like ‘rare earth’, suggesting caution
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Table of contents (6 chapters)
Keywords
About this book
Reviews
From the reviews:
"Books on astrobiology and alien intelligence … are beginning to multiply rapidly. … Genta (mechanics, Politecnico di Torino, Italy) brings in a different dimension by adding the religious and philosophical aspects of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence in an excellent treatment that covers both sides of each issue. … He also offers a very interesting discussion on how biology and morphology relate to the possible evolution of intelligence. … For anyone interested in the search for extraterrestrial intelligences. Summing Up: Recommended. All levels." (P. R. Douville, CHOICE, Vol. 45 (7), 2008)
"It has been a pleasure to read … this beautifully written book which begins with two brief but fascinating chapters on ‘The Historical and Philosophical Perspectives’ and ‘The Religious Perspective’ of extraterrestrial intelligence. … This highly intelligent and beautifully written book is highly recommended to all readers … ." (Fernande Grandjean and Gary J. Long, Physicalia Magazine, Vol. 30 (4), 2008)
"It first gives an account of our current scientific understanding of the origins of the Universe, Galaxy, Solar System, planets, Earth, Moon, and life on Earth. … It is a solemn, scholarly, and intensively serious book, carefully and very well-written in English. … Every reader, even those who are not especially enthused by the prospect of extraterrestrials, is likely to appreciate this splendid portrait of humankind’s cosmic origins and of how we fit into the grand scheme of existence." (Peter V. E. McClintock, Contemporary Physics, Vol. 50 (3), May-June, 2009)
Authors and Affiliations
Bibliographic Information
Book Title: Lonely Minds in the Universe
Authors: Giancarlo Genta
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-69039-1
Publisher: Copernicus New York, NY
eBook Packages: Physics and Astronomy, Physics and Astronomy (R0)
Copyright Information: Springer-Verlag New York 2007
Hardcover ISBN: 978-0-387-33925-2Published: 15 June 2007
Softcover ISBN: 978-1-4419-2225-0Published: 29 October 2010
eBook ISBN: 978-0-387-69039-1Published: 18 November 2007
Edition Number: 1
Number of Pages: XXVI, 294
Number of Illustrations: 58 b/w illustrations
Additional Information: Jointly published with Praxis Publishing, UK
Topics: Popular Science in Astronomy, Astronomy, Observations and Techniques, Astrobiology, Space Sciences (including Extraterrestrial Physics, Space Exploration and Astronautics)