SI
SI
discoversearch

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor.  We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community.  If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.
Politics : View from the Center and Left
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  
From: cosmicforce1/20/2019 11:18:13 AM
1 Recommendation

Recommended By
Ron

  Read Replies (3) of 542457
 
OT: Why we are viewing the search for alien intelligence wrong. This thought was triggered by this article.

vox.com

So, first, there is no doubt of "alien life". We are some. For any other civilization in space, we'd be the alien life form and we know we exist. Out of the uncountable vastness of the visible and non-visible universe we'd have to have the hubris to imagine we are unique. It is like a snowflake imagining itself to be the only one. If a process gives rise to something as complex as life, it is unimaginable that only happens once.

There is an error in the scientific logic of the "no aliens" hypothesis - I can't think of another example where science has something under its analysis and anyone would say, yeah, we got the only one of its kind in the universe.

I don't care if that is a ringed planet or a rare deep-see microbe, sampling theorems say if you have seen any you probably have many, Kind of like cockroaches. So why don't we see more? Most civilizations probably have the good sense to not shout - "Hey! We are here!" - there isn't a compelling case for doing that whether you are in a subway or the Grand Canyon. It is our cultural narcissism that makes us think we are that interesting.
Report TOU ViolationShare This Post
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  

HomeMailHotSubjectMarksPeopleMarksKeepersSettings
Terms Of UseContact UsCopyright/IP PolicyPrivacy PolicyAbout UsFAQAdvertise on SI
© 2026 Knight Sac Media.  Data provided by Twelve Data, Alpha Vantage, and CityFALCON News