Book contents
- Astronomy and Philosophy
- Frontispiece
- Astronomy and Philosophy
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Epigraph
- Contents
- Contributors
- Introduction
- Prelude
- Part I The Nature of Reality
- Part II Metaphysical and Social Influences on Astronomy and the Cosmic Worldview
- 5 The Haunted Astronomer
- 6 Eddington’s Philosophy of Astronomy
- 7 Eavesdropping in Space
- 8 A Meaningful Mask of the Universe
- Part III The Nature and Limits of Reasoning
- Part IV The Problematic Nature of Observation and Inference
- Part V Conceptual Issues in Astronomy, Cosmology, and Astrobiology
- Part VI Technology, Policy, and Methodology
- Part VII Embedded History and Philosophy of Science
- Index
- References
7 - Eavesdropping in Space
SETI’s Cold War Context
from Part II - Metaphysical and Social Influences on Astronomy and the Cosmic Worldview
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 17 July 2026
Edited by
Book contents
- Astronomy and Philosophy
- Frontispiece
- Astronomy and Philosophy
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Epigraph
- Contents
- Contributors
- Introduction
- Prelude
- Part I The Nature of Reality
- Part II Metaphysical and Social Influences on Astronomy and the Cosmic Worldview
- 5 The Haunted Astronomer
- 6 Eddington’s Philosophy of Astronomy
- 7 Eavesdropping in Space
- 8 A Meaningful Mask of the Universe
- Part III The Nature and Limits of Reasoning
- Part IV The Problematic Nature of Observation and Inference
- Part V Conceptual Issues in Astronomy, Cosmology, and Astrobiology
- Part VI Technology, Policy, and Methodology
- Part VII Embedded History and Philosophy of Science
- Index
- References
Summary
In October 1957, humans on Earth, for the first time, made a definitive detection of an artificial signal coming from outer space. 1 This signal originated from a small spacecraft, put in orbit around the planet by an intelligent technological civilization. The signal didn’t have an explicit message (amateur radio enthusiasts tracking its location would have simply heard a beeping sound from a carrier signal) but it nevertheless had a strong message to convey from the civilization that sent it.
Information
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Astronomy and PhilosophyConceptual and Methodological Foundations and Challenges, pp. 126 - 137Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2026
References
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