Cosmos

Mark Williams*, Tom Stallard, Jan Zalasiewicz

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Notions of the cosmos are deep-rooted in human consciousness. They are expressed in our earliest monumental constructions as explanations of the world around us and in the practices of many indigenous peoples. Here we examine the physical cosmos from the perspective of life on Earth. We note a central importance for the Earth in the vastness of space, as a planetary oasis for a highly complex and long-lived biosphere, one now being fundamentally altered by humans. We refer to other notions of the cosmos that may enable us to navigate a better path for life in the Anthropocene.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHandbook of the Anthropocene
Subtitle of host publicationHumans between Heritage and Future
EditorsNathanaël Wallenhorst, Christoph Wulf
Place of PublicationCham, Switzerland
PublisherSpringer
Pages27-31
Number of pages5
Edition1
ISBN (Electronic)9783031259104
ISBN (Print)9783031259098, 9783031259128
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 18 Aug 2023

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