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Mind in Universe : On the Origin, Evolution, and Distribution of Intelligent Life in Space

Dunér, David LU orcid (2019) p.701-716
Abstract
This chapter discusses the question of mind in space. It aims to lay the ground for an emerging research field, astrocognition, studying the origin, evolution, and distribution of intelligence in the universe. The first section concerns terrestrial intelligence, the cognitive phenomena involved in human search for extraterrestrial life and intelligence. Intelligence could be explained as a cognitive flexibility, an ability to adjust to changes in the physical and socio-cultural environment. Three cognitive functions are particularly prominent in the history of astrobiology: perception, conceptualization, and analogy. Next section deals with extraterrestrial intelligence, the evolution of intelligence in outer space. The bio-cultural... (More)
This chapter discusses the question of mind in space. It aims to lay the ground for an emerging research field, astrocognition, studying the origin, evolution, and distribution of intelligence in the universe. The first section concerns terrestrial intelligence, the cognitive phenomena involved in human search for extraterrestrial life and intelligence. Intelligence could be explained as a cognitive flexibility, an ability to adjust to changes in the physical and socio-cultural environment. Three cognitive functions are particularly prominent in the history of astrobiology: perception, conceptualization, and analogy. Next section deals with extraterrestrial intelligence, the evolution of intelligence in outer space. The bio-cultural coevolution of cognition explains the emergence of advanced cognitive skills. An indispensable requisite for the evolution of intelligence, sociability, communication, and advanced technology is intersubjectivity. An intelligent being that has developed advanced technology would likely have a complex social system, complex communication, and a high degree of distributed cognition. The final section discusses terrestrial-extraterrestrial interaction and whether two distinct creatures could be able to understand each other. Cognitive semiotics is a key to understanding the semiosis involved in astrobiology and astrocognition, such as biosignatures and interstellar communication. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
organization
publishing date
type
Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding
publication status
published
subject
host publication
Handbook of Astrobiology
editor
Kolb, Vera M.
pages
16 pages
publisher
CRC Press
external identifiers
  • scopus:85082731104
ISBN
9781351661102
9781315159966
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
c2e0c430-99b7-448a-99f9-0573f7513c97
alternative location
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/9781315159966
date added to LUP
2019-04-23 20:42:22
date last changed
2024-01-15 16:57:05
@inbook{c2e0c430-99b7-448a-99f9-0573f7513c97,
  abstract     = {{This chapter discusses the question of mind in space. It aims to lay the ground for an emerging research field, astrocognition, studying the origin, evolution, and distribution of intelligence in the universe. The first section concerns terrestrial intelligence, the cognitive phenomena involved in human search for extraterrestrial life and intelligence. Intelligence could be explained as a cognitive flexibility, an ability to adjust to changes in the physical and socio-cultural environment. Three cognitive functions are particularly prominent in the history of astrobiology: perception, conceptualization, and analogy. Next section deals with extraterrestrial intelligence, the evolution of intelligence in outer space. The bio-cultural coevolution of cognition explains the emergence of advanced cognitive skills. An indispensable requisite for the evolution of intelligence, sociability, communication, and advanced technology is intersubjectivity. An intelligent being that has developed advanced technology would likely have a complex social system, complex communication, and a high degree of distributed cognition. The final section discusses terrestrial-extraterrestrial interaction and whether two distinct creatures could be able to understand each other. Cognitive semiotics is a key to understanding the semiosis involved in astrobiology and astrocognition, such as biosignatures and interstellar communication.}},
  author       = {{Dunér, David}},
  booktitle    = {{Handbook of Astrobiology}},
  editor       = {{Kolb, Vera M.}},
  isbn         = {{9781351661102}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  pages        = {{701--716}},
  publisher    = {{CRC Press}},
  title        = {{Mind in Universe : On the Origin, Evolution, and Distribution of Intelligent Life in Space}},
  url          = {{https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/9781315159966}},
  year         = {{2019}},
}