Wierd Science of Certainty, Uncertainly.

[Meem]

Are we scientifically certain that there are no other life forms in the universe other than what we observe … here on Earth to be life? Is it even possible that some-things we observe not considering to be life actually are, and we just lack understanding? Why is it we, at least from my vantage point, widely seem to consider that this is it, and we are the apex … of “it?” In my larger experience, it seems science says this and we are it, till observed to be otherwise. Or so, this is what those whom largely set the guidelines concerning such matters in science realms appear to have established. I think of this almost as guilty until proven innocent presumption.


Most people, if that is an acceptable terms for scientists, would accede that math and/logic is the fundamental source of science. Which seems entirely at odds … no pun … with the ideology that “this and we are it.” Some famous ramblings about a blind man deep in a cave inferring the universe from a grain of sand come to mind. Or however this saying goes. I am too lazy to look it up and annotate it properly, but with very little uncertainty, I am certain most reading this have read something to the effect here before. Back to the point …


It is so mathematically improbable that, for such things as life forms and intelligence, that we and this are it … should not even be entertained. Let alone, should it be a staple or a stifle of cosmic pondering of life. Some of the irony, as it seems to me, of how this plays out at times … is … well …
ironic. I have heard for example, some atheists whom are set into science as a foundation and basis for there view … say something to the effect, “what makes you think you're so special that God would do all of this for you?” But God is not a point of contention here, however the logic is, because when it comes to life and intelligence elsewhere in the universe it seems to make a u-turn. “Yes, we are special, just so long as God had nothing to do it.”


The chance that we are the only berth of life and intelligence in the universe, let alone to think the apex of such (which is almost terrifying), are so astronomically at odds with the wider stance … of science … it makes me want to scream … and dance.


I cannot even begin to imagine the different possible ways a life-form could evolve, or how intelligent it might have become over billions of years … to even guess what a vastly “superior” life-form might resemble. And more to that point, if a life form we vastly superior, in terms of generic notions of lifespan and intelligence compared to us. With all the time in the world, so to speak, could we even communicate with it, or it with us? When I say vastly superior in generic notions of life span and intelligence, we … beings such as you and me … compared to ants are vastly superior. Have either of our species ever effectively communicated anything to each other? The second point, how far could/can a life-form go beyond us to make such a possible comparison? That comparison being, we are not much more than ants, compared to a vastly superior life-form which is impossible.


Science needs to allow for more philosophy, which apparently birthed science at some point, or so I hear.




Anyhow,


Goodnight.

[austintorn@aol.com]

Are we scientifically certain that there are no other life forms in the universe other than what we observe … here on Earth to be life?

No, only those religious who are religiously certain that they are the only life so special that no other could exist anywhere else, whereas science indicates and searches for planet where other life could be, which is extremely likely. I guess that would make the religious not so very special at all, but, then again, they never were, but it was merely what they wanted for their vainglorious selves.

[mkirkpatrick]

Thanks Meem for such an interesting thread starter,I too would be horrified if I thought that the only intelligent life in this universe was on this here Earth! I along with many others have witnessed UFOs and I am pretty certain they come from other planets possibly vastly different from our own,science has over the years investigated this phenomena and it seems it as yet undecided about whether there are "real" or not,guess one will have to land in Central park New York for there existence to be finally accepted. (Then the marines or army would open fire).

regards michael.