Big Numbers and Induction in the Case for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
@article{Mash1993BigNA, title={Big Numbers and Induction in the Case for Extraterrestrial Intelligence}, author={Roy Mash}, journal={Philosophy of Science}, year={1993}, volume={60}, pages={204 - 222} }
Arguments favoring the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence nearly always contain an overt appeal to big numbers, often combined with a covert reliance on generalization from a single instance. In this paper I examine both motifs, and consider whether big numbers might actually make palatable otherwise implausible single-case inductions. In the end, the dispute between believers and skeptics is seen to boil down to a conflict of intuitions which can barely be engaged, let alone resolved…
13 Citations
SETI: On the prospects and pursuitworthiness of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence
- Economics
- 2001
Genoegsame voorwaardes vir buite-aardse rasionaliteit: Filosofiese en teologiese oorwegings
- Philosophy
- 1996
Sufficient conditions for extraterrestrial intelligence: Philosophical and theological considerations Sufficient conditions would include confirmation of extraterrestrial intel ligence. Accordingly…
The temporal aspect of the drake equation and SETI.
- PhysicsAstrobiology
- 2004
It is shown that the Drake equation tacitly relies on unverified assumptions on both the physicochemical history of the authors' galaxy and the properties of advanced intelligent communities to form prerequisites for quantification of therake equation parameters.
The End of Epicurean Infinity: Critical Reflections on the Epicurean Infinite Universe
- Philosophy
- 2018
In contrast to other ancient philosophers, Epicurus and his followers famously maintained the infinity of matter, and consequently of worlds. This was inferred from the infinity of space, because…
Astrophysical Simulations and Data Analyses on the Formation, Detection, and Habitability of Moons Around Extrasolar Planets
- Physics, Geology
- 2020
While the solar system contains as many as about 20 times more moons than planets, no moon has been definitively detected around any of the thousands of extrasolar planets so far. The question…
The astrobiological landscape : philosophical foundations of the study of cosmic life
- Physics
- 2012
Introduction Acknowledgements 1. Astrobiology: the colour out of space? 2. Cosmology, life, and duration of the past 3. Cosmology, life, and selection effects 4. Cosmology, life, and the archipelago…
Astrophysical Simulations and Data Analyses on the Formation, Detection, and Habitability of Moons Around Extrasolar Planets
- Geology, Physics
- 2020
1 I Scientific Context of this Thesis 3
References
SHOWING 1-10 OF 16 REFERENCES
The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence: Listening for Life in the Cosmos
- Physics
- 1987
E.T.: Phone Earth! Martians and their Friends Bug-Eyed Monsters and Little Green Men: In the Beginning Planiet Trek: Buck Rogers Seti Sputnik and E.T. Interstellar Postcards Little Green Men and…
Organic compound synthesis on the primitive earth.
- Environmental ScienceScience
- 1959
The present status of the problem of the origin of life is discussed, mainly with respect to the early chemical history of, and the synthesis of organic compounds on, the primitive earth.