As part of Storify’s shutdown, I now want to use my website to archive important Twitter threads. So here are some awesome threads from the first Social and Conceptual Issues in Astrobiology (SoCIA) conference. These are incomplete, and sometimes abbreviated, but there’s still a lot of fascinating science, philosophy, and theory in here!
If you think these topics look awesome, keep an eye out for SoCIA 2018 this coming April!
“Is talking to aliens like talking to your cats?”, Sara Waller
And now, the final #SoCIA2016 talk: @adamqp on “Ethical obligations between us & extraterrestial life”!
— Benjamin C. Kinney (@BenCKinney) September 25, 2016
“Cosmic complexity,” Kelly Smith
Next up: our organizer Kelly Smith talking about cosmic complexity, without relying on ideas like progress & anthropocentrism! #SoCIA2016
— Benjamin C. Kinney (@BenCKinney) September 24, 2016
“Impossible Friendships: human-alien relationships,” Jonathan Trerise
Now up: The philosopher Jonathan Trerise on “Impossible friendships,” i.e. human-alien friendship. #SoCIA2016
— Benjamin C. Kinney (@BenCKinney) September 24, 2016
“The role of worldview in predicting societal impact of discovering ET life,” Connie Bertka
Now, Connie Bertka “Predicting societal impact of discovering ET life: what’s the role of worldview?” (Spoiler: everything) #SoCIA2016
— Benjamin C. Kinney (@BenCKinney) September 24, 2016
“Anthropocentrism, exoplanets, and the cosmic perspective,” Neil Manson
Next talk: Neil Manson on “Anthropocentrism, exoplanets, and the cosmic perspective.” #SoCIA2016
— Benjamin C. Kinney (@BenCKinney) September 24, 2016
“The life bias in planetary protection,” Jim Schwartz
Today’s last talk! Jim Schwartz on “The life bias in planetary protection.” #SoCIA2016
— Benjamin C. Kinney (@BenCKinney) September 24, 2016
Keynote: “Homo Astronauticus: cultural implications of space colonization,” Sheyna Gifford
Starting in 10 minutes will be @humansareawesme’s keynote on “Homo Astronauticus: cultural implications of space colonization” #SoCIA2016
— Benjamin C. Kinney (@BenCKinney) September 25, 2016
“Astrobiology research & policy dilemmas in public decision making,” Margaret Race
#SoCIA2016 continues with Margaret Race on “Astrobiology research & policy dilemmas in public decision making."
— Benjamin C. Kinney (@BenCKinney) September 25, 2016
“Astrobiology education via interactive alien construction,” Randall Hayes
Now comes Randall Hayes on “Astrobio education via interactive alien construction.” Yet another job I want. #SoCIA2016
— Benjamin C. Kinney (@BenCKinney) September 25, 2016
“Astrobiology, ET, and ETI: science & speculation,” Linda Billings
The #SoCIA2016 Education & Outreach session concludes with Linda Billings: “Astrobio, ET, and ETI: science & speculation."
— Benjamin C. Kinney (@BenCKinney) September 25, 2016
“Replicator Theory: testing evolutionary theories of life,” Lucas Mix
#SoCIA2016 continues with Concepts of Life session. Lucas Mix on “Replicator theory: testing evolutionary theories of life."
— Benjamin C. Kinney (@BenCKinney) September 25, 2016
“Toward a Family Resemblance definition of life,” Erik Persson
The “Concept of Life” session continues with Erik Persson on “Toward a family resemblance definition of life.” #SoCIA2016
— Benjamin C. Kinney (@BenCKinney) September 25, 2016
“Extending the Idea of Wilderness Beyond Earth,” Alan Johnson.
Penultimate #SoCIA2016 session, on “Applied Ethics,” begins with Alan Johnson on “Extending the idea of wilderness beyond Earth."
— Benjamin C. Kinney (@BenCKinney) September 25, 2016
“Human life and ethics in outer space,” Koji Tachibana
Now on to Koji Tachibana with “Human life and ethics in outer space.” #SoCIA2016
— Benjamin C. Kinney (@BenCKinney) September 25, 2016
“Astrobiology and the precautionary principle,” Mark Lupisella
Now time for Mark Lupisella on “Astrobiology and the precautionary principle.” How to apply prime-directive-like rules? #SoCIA2016
— Benjamin C. Kinney (@BenCKinney) September 25, 2016
“Convergences in the ethics of space exploration,” Brian Green
But now, Brian Green on “Convergences in the ethics of space exploration” at #SoCIA2016
— Benjamin C. Kinney (@BenCKinney) September 25, 2016
“Ethical obligations between us and extraterrestrial life,” Adam Potthast
And now, the final #SoCIA2016 talk: @adamqp on “Ethical obligations between us & extraterrestial life”!
— Benjamin C. Kinney (@BenCKinney) September 25, 2016