Until biologists have an alternative biochemistry they can contrast and compare with the one data point we have available to us here on earth, they should be very careful about making general statements about any potential biochemistries that might or might not exist elsewhere.
Although some of the more speculative biologies which have been proposed (such as silicon-based life) should certainly provoke a healthy skepticism amongst theorists; it is not unreasonable to expect that a universe filled with common organic compounds (including amino acids) might produce carbon and water based organisms similar (although certainly not identical) to those on earth.
As for Dr Sagan's qualifications, I will concede he was not a biologist. But he was married to one for a while.
Space/Science » in reply to Not Even Wrong
re: Not Even Wrong
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- "Revisiting The Science Behind Planet Of The Apes" or Why Intelligence is Rare
- There's a bit of a straw man, in that argument.
- re: "Revisiting The Science Behind Planet Of The Apes" or Why Intelligence is Rare