Abstract
What are the implications of astrobiology for society? When one considers that astrobiology encompasses research on the origin and evolution of life, the existence of life beyond Earth, and the future of life on Earth and beyond, the scope of that deceptively simple question becomes clear. It embraces not only the religious, ethical, legal, and cultural concerns inherent in those subjects, but also the meaning of life and even human destiny in a universe where humans are unique—or not. Particularly in the area of extraterrestrial life, which has been a focus for astrobiology and society concerns in terms of implications, the issues have been global and contentious. The consequences have long been vividly played out in science fiction by classic authors such as Arthur C. Clarke in Childhood’s End or 2001: A Space Odyssey, and by more recent writers like Ted Chiang in “Story of Your Life” and its film adaption Arrival.
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