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Space/Science » in reply to SETI’s Dilemma: Break the Great Silence?

Arrogance & Hubris
phil — (archived)

First I'll admit that I believe the likely number of extraterrestrial technical civilizations in the Local Group is 0, however the most probable scientific confidence level of this or any other contrary 'prediction' hovers just a bit above zero.

Given that we know virtually nothing about any putative extratech-civs or their mindsets, it seems folly for a brand new tech civ to deliberately broadcast its presence. To those who say we've already done so, the answer is 'not so much'. There is a big difference in a peacefull rabbit making small necessary life noises going about its business in the forest vs the rabbit emitting loud wolf calls. Animals have more sense than to do that. We know nothing about the forest denizens of this galaxy.

It is hubris and arrogance for the self-appointed elite to take concerted actions that could potentially put the entire species and perhaps the entire biosphere at risk. However small the risk, the unknown downside potential is devastatingly huge at this primitive stage of our spacefaring abilities.

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