Fermi’s Paradox
Topic:
For decades astronomers have discussed what the call “Fermi’s Paradox”. The famed physicist had once shown mathematically that even without faster than light travel any advanced civilization should be able to expand throughout the galaxy within the span of 4 million years. After doing that calculation and showing it to his colleagues, Fermi is said to have looked at the night sky and asked: “So, where is everybody?” Fermi’s paradox is that simple question, if there is other intelligent life out there why have we heard nothing from them? Why is there no evidence of their existence we can spot? This debate remained lively till our own time and has sparked the creation of the SETI and METI institutes.
Readings:
SETI on Fermi’s Paradox Link to Reading
SETI on Drake’s Equation Link to Reading
This American Life podcast, first 21 minutes: Link to podcast
University of Oregon on Fermi’s Paradox Link to Reading
Does the rapid appearance of life on Earth suggest that life is common in the Universe? (Just Skim) Link to Reading
11 weird solutions to fermi paradox Link to Reading
Discussion Questions:
What do you find to be the most compelling “solution” to Fermi’s paradox and why?
What does it mean if we are alone in the universe? How likely do you consider that to be given Drake’s equation?
Do you think the formation of basic life is a rare event? What evidence could we search for to help us answer this question?
Do you think intelligent life is rare? Extremely rare? Can you imagine intelligent life that could evolve differently perhaps revising upwards the value for Fi?
Would you be in favor of attempting to contact ETI? If not, do you think an international body should be set up to prevent everyone else from doing so?
