Archaeology might be defined simply as the study of 'the human altered world'. Until recently, traces of humanity's past could have only been found on Earth. But, as our influence continues to expand beyond, we must consider... more
Archaeology might be defined simply as the study of 'the human altered world'. Until recently, traces of humanity's past could have only been found on Earth. But, as our influence continues to expand beyond, we must consider human activities and human-made objects in space and how they—as extensions of ourselves—impact other worlds and the spaces between. This is 'space archaeology'. Features interviews with five activists and innovators in the research and education of outer space from the perspective of archaeology and anthropology.
The present explorative study investigates the ways in which the ambiguous reality of extra-terrestrial first contact is socially constructed. It is considered ambiguous, due to our lack of knowledge about life in the Universe, and the... more
The present explorative study investigates the ways in which the ambiguous reality of extra-terrestrial first contact is socially constructed. It is considered ambiguous, due to our lack of knowledge about life in the Universe, and the resulting lack of real-life experiences with extra-terrestrials. Consequently, the current study suggests that the reality of first contact is constructed only by symbolic and subjective resources of knowledge. In order to test this hypothesis, focus groups were conducted with young university students in the UK and thematically analysed with the purpose of identifying key themes which contribute to the construction of reality. Participant accounts revealed that the notion of first contact is indeed ambiguous in spite of its techno-scientific plausibility, due to the lack of objective knowledge. Scepticism and critical thinking were echoed in all accounts, regarding both the validity of a potential announcement of contact and its representations in contemporary resources of knowledge. Media was emphasised as a key resource about the topic, reinforcing the academically alleged importance of the science fiction genre in the construction of knowledge. However, this mediated construction was received with similar cynicism, revealing the increasing importance of scientific reasoning and rationality concerning the subject. Consequently, the study concludes that further investigation into the social construction of the extra-terrestrial first contact reality would be beneficial for the field of astrosociology in their exploration of public attitudes and anticipation of potential reactions.
Archaeology might be defined simply as the study of 'the human altered world'. Until recently, traces of humanity's past could have only been found on Earth. But, as our influence continues to expand beyond, we must consider human... more
Archaeology might be defined simply as the study of 'the human altered world'. Until recently, traces of humanity's past could have only been found on Earth. But, as our influence continues to expand beyond, we must consider human activities and human-made objects in space and how they—as extensions of ourselves—impact other worlds and the spaces between. This is 'space archaeology'.
Features interviews with five activists and innovators in the research and education of outer space from the perspective of archaeology and anthropology.
If conspiracy theory is the narration of fears of existential dread, of a potentially apocalyptical plot against ‘us’, then we can understand alien conspiracies as a dread of the coming of ‘cosmological humanity’ and the end of... more
If conspiracy theory is the narration of fears of existential dread, of a potentially apocalyptical plot against ‘us’, then we can understand alien conspiracies as a dread of the coming of ‘cosmological humanity’ and the end of ‘geostationary man’. In escaping gravity’s hold a terminal velocity is achieved by a species ready to mythologize, even sacralise, its achievements and to enchant the Heavens once again in terms more suited to the technological age. Virgiliu Pop’s astrosociology will provide a means for framing the uniqueness of post-Gagarin conspiracist spiritualities within the particular religious cultures of cosmic humanity whilst Raymond Williams’ concept of structures of feeling will be drawn upon to understand the cultural significance of these spiritualities.
This paper defends, and emphasizes the importance of, spaceflight, broadly construed to include human and unmanned spaceflight, space science, exploration and development. Within this discourse, I provide counter-replies to remarks by... more
This paper defends, and emphasizes the importance of, spaceflight, broadly construed to include human and unmanned spaceflight, space science, exploration and development. Within this discourse, I provide counter-replies to remarks by physicist Dr. Steven Weinberg against my previous support of human spaceflight. In this defense of peaceful spaceflight I draw upon a variety of sources. Although a focus is human spaceflight, human and unmanned modes must not be treated as an either-or opposition. Rather, each has a critical role to play in moving humanity forward as a spacefaring species. In the course of this communication, I also stress the perennial role of space agencies as science and technology-drivers, and their function to provide a stable and unified platform for space programs.
In the 21st century the majority of humans including most of the scientists are convinced that there is extraterrestrial life somewhere in the Universe. But recent findings in astronomy, astrobiology, geology and chemistry have... more
In the 21st century the majority of humans including most of the scientists are convinced that there is extraterrestrial life somewhere in the Universe. But recent findings in astronomy, astrobiology, geology and chemistry have progressively melted down the probability of biological life beyond Earth’s ecospheres. Contrary to the Copernican humiliation Earth appears more and more to be a unique place in the Universe for it was only here where the emergence of life took place. Furthermore, the primary abiogenesis only occurred once in the lifetime of our planet. This process is neither understood nor accessible to simulation or recreation. What are the philosophical, religious and political consequences if we adopt the Uniqueness Hypothesis – the only one conclusive with modern epistemology and today’s scientific knowledge?
Archaeology might be defined simply as the study of 'the human altered world'. Until recently, traces of humanity's past could have only been found on Earth. But, as our influence continues to expand beyond, we... more
Archaeology might be defined simply as the study of 'the human altered world'. Until recently, traces of humanity's past could have only been found on Earth. But, as our influence continues to expand beyond, we must consider human activities and human-made objects in space and how they—as extensions of ourselves—impact other worlds and the spaces between. This is 'space archaeology'. Features interviews with five activists and innovators in the research and education of outer space from the perspective of archaeology and anthropology.
Space enthusiasts commonly advocate for increased space funding because of spaceflight's alleged impact on STEM education and scientific literacy. However, there is little more than anecdotal evidence for such claims. Until such time as... more
Space enthusiasts commonly advocate for increased space funding because of spaceflight's alleged impact on STEM education and scientific literacy. However, there is little more than anecdotal evidence for such claims. Until such time as compelling empirical data are gathered, space enthusiasts—in both academic and popular settings—should exercise caution when speaking of spaceflight's inspirational qualities.
As with any academic field, astrosociology allows for an endless number of competing theoretical models and hypotheses. One possible theoretical model is presented here that starts with the premise that even the most advanced societies... more
As with any academic field, astrosociology allows for an endless number of competing theoretical models and hypotheses. One possible theoretical model is presented here that starts with the premise that even the most advanced societies today are extremely far from achieving a spacefaring status. The most advanced nation states are, in fact, space-capable societies because they have the capacity to send cargo and humans into low Earth orbit and beyond. However, their social structures and cultures lack fundamental characteristics that would allow for their designation as spacefaring societies. This article describes the characteristics of a theoretical spacefaring society and argues that getting there from our current status as space-capable societies is a long and arduous process, and it is not a definite outcome whatsoever. While a continuum is offered, it represents an imprecise path that can retrograde or fall apart at any time. Thus, this theoretical model provides one possible series of an unfolding of events that result in the creation of characteristics of the social fabric that may result in movement along the continuum toward a spacefaring society. Movement along the continuum results in an accumulation of coordinated spacefaring characteristics for a given society. Simultaneously, strictly terrestrial characteristics disappear or transform themselves into hybrid forms that include spacefaring features. This exercise demonstrates that this theoretical exercise has a number of benefits for astrosociologists conducting research in the area of spacefaring theory. Moreover, it makes the case for the idea that the study of the theoretical transformation from a space-capable to a spacefaring society includes implications for current and future 1) space policy in the public sector and 2) corporate decision-making related to space in the private sector.
