Customer Reviews

The Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence: A Philosophical Inquiry

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David Lamb, an instructor in philosophy and bioethics, brings a refreshingly different perspective to the search for ETI and the implications of possible future contact. He examines the assumptions and logic of those engaged in SETI, particularly astronomers. Lamb points out that arguments based on probability and analogy can not be conclusive, though they provide legitimate bases for scientific speculation. He acknowledges that SETI differs from most sciences in the sense that it is driven by metaphysical beliefs and deep psychological desires for companionship. But, he adds, world-views do not have to be antithetical to scientific evidence.

Lamb comes down in favor of continuing the search. "SETI might well turn out to be an example of too much speculation chasing too few facts," he writes, "but this is not an argument for dismissing its conjectures as nonsense; rather, it indicates a requirement to go ahead and produce more facts." He believes that most of our predictions about contact with an advanced civilization are likely to be wrong. Lamb includes balanced presentations on the Fermi Paradox and the UFO phenomenon.

The book contains some errors about scientific facts. In discussing the Drake equation and related issues, Lamb provides wildly varying figures for the number of stars in our galaxy. He writes that, if a Gamma Ray Burster went off near the center of our galaxy, "within seconds the Earth would be exposed to a massive wave of gamma rays." These errors do not undermine his basic arguments; the virtues of the book far outweigh its minor faults.

Altough i am not a big SETI book reader, i am a big SETI advocate. I've done my share of research and Science Channel watching, but until i read David Lamb's book, i never really understood what was going on. The author not only tells you what sort of intelligences could be out there (machine, laser beams, etc) but also explains how to communicate to such. I've yet to read other SETI books to compare it to, so i can't give it 5/5, but 4/5 is still good enough to buy.