Exophilosophy

The Philosophical Implications of Alien Life

Richard Playford (Leeds Trinity University, UK)

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Hardback

Forthcoming
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English

Routledge
09 December 2024

Philosophy of language; Philosophy: epistemology & theory of knowledge; Ethics & moral philosophy; Philosophy of religion; Philosophy of science

This volume addresses philosophical questions raised by the possibility of alien life and extraterrestrial intelligence. The different philosophical perspectives and approaches presented across the chapters will provide a foundation for future work on exophilosophy.

Interest in space, space exploration, and alien life has never been greater. In popular culture, for example, it has proven a persistent theme in science fiction films (e.g., Star Trek, Star Wars), books (e.g., H. G. Wells, Arthur C. Clarke, Ray Bradbury), and computer games (e.g., Sid Meier’s Alpha Centauri), as well as bestselling ‘non- fiction’ books (von Däniken’s multimillion-selling Chariots of the Gods?), and hit ‘documentary’ shows (e.g., Ancient Aliens). There has also been persistent interest in these topics amongst scientists with organizations such as NASA and SETI having an enormous impact on both the scientific and popular imagination. Yet, curiously, the topic has received relatively little philosophical attention. Whilst certain aspects of these topics remain within the proper purview of the sciences, a host of philosophical questions are raised by the possibility of alien life and extraterrestrial intelligences, and the possibility of our coming into contact with them. This collection of essays will examine some of these questions whilst laying the groundwork for future study in an as-yet under-researched area of philosophy.

Exophilosophy is essential reading for scholars and students with an interest in space and philosophy, especially those working in philosophy of science, metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, philosophy of language, and philosophy of religion.

Edited by: Richard Playford (Leeds Trinity University UK)
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 254mm, Width: 178mm,
Weight: 453g
ISBN: 9781032576084
ISBN 10: 1032576081
Pages: 172
Publication Date: 09 December 2024
Audience: College/higher education , Primary
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Richard Playford is currently Senior Lecturer in Philosophy, Ethics, and Religion at Leeds Trinity University. He holds a PhD from the University of Reading. His most recent publication, prior to this, co-authored with Stephen Bullivant and Janet Siefert, is God and Astrobiology (2024).

Reviews for Exophilosophy: The Philosophical Implications of Alien Life

"""The philosophical significance of discovering life beyond Earth is both haunting and immense. This book is a wonderful advancement of current discourse on the philosophical implications of extraterrestrial life."" Andrew M. Davis, The Center for Process Studies, Claremont School of Theology, USA"