One of the drivers of deep space exploration involves the search for life, intelligent (Drake Equation) or otherwise, on another planet in the cosmos. Are we alone in the universe or is there other intelligent life out there? And if it is out there, where is everybody? (Fermi Paradox).

Humanity in Deep Space invites you to join a philosopher and a biologist who both have thought deeply about this subject for a discussion surrounding the implications and search for life in the universe. They will explore a range of questions including: What is the actual probability of past or present “life” on other planets? Might there be life forms out there that we may not be able to recognize as such? What are the ethical implications and risks of searching for and perhaps finding any form of life on another planet? And more…

PANELISTS:

Chelsea Haramia, PhD is a Professor of Philosophy at Spring Hill College. She has published in the areas of astrobiology ethics, bioethics, environmental ethics, animal ethics, feminist philosophy and the philosophy of science and technology. Her current work engages in ethical and metaethical analyses of space exploration and of the search for intelligent life in particular.

Charles E. Kupchella, PhD served as President of the University of North Dakota from 1999-2008. He is a past president of the American Association for Cancer Education and holds a PhD in Biology from St. Bonaventure University. He is the author of dozens of articles in scientific publications as well as several books on cancer, the special senses and other aspects of human biology, plus a work of space-science fiction, "The Tree Shack: A Story about the Foundations of Morality and the Origins of Humankind."

MODERATOR:

Kris Kimel is the lead at Humanity in Deep Space and Co-founder of SpaceTango. Prior to this he started and led a range of entrepreneurial enterprises and initiatives.