(Jason H.) wrote in sci.astro.seti:

Article - Ben Bova: Is the search for intelligent extraterrestrial
life fruitless? - By Ben Bova (14 Dec. 2003)

http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/pe_co...71,NPDN_14960_
2501214,00.html


Observation: we are intelligent, short lived and self-destructive. We are
carbon based.
Conclusion = because we are, all carbon based intelligence is short lived
and self-destructive.


pessimistic view = we are carbon based, intelligent, violent, short lived.
Maybe every intelligent life is that way.
Because we think that might be so, it is so. Because it is so, not only we
are intelligent, short lived, but every carbon based intelligence is.
Conclusion: no contact possible.

optimistic view = Our carbon based intelligence can develop machines,
which will outlive us. Because all carbon based intelligences are like us,
they will develop machines as well. Because all carbon based intelligence
are like us, they are short lived. Because our machines might oulive us,
theirs will also.
Conclusion: we'll only contact their machines.

Maybe the article would be more valuable if he got out of that mental
"simon says" straightjacket.
Ben Bova is a name in SF, but certainly not one in proper reasoning.

--
CeeBee


"I am not a crook"