Who are the SETI sceptics? |
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| Institution: | 1. Centre for Astrophysics and Planetary Science, School of Physical Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NH, United Kingdom.;2. Computational Life and Medical Sciences Network, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H, United Kingdom.;1. Christopher Ingold Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University College London, London WC1H 0AJ, UK;2. Centre for Defence Engineering, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham, SN6 8LA, UK;3. Department of Earth Sciences, University College London, London WC1E 6BT;4. Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK |
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| Abstract: | Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence (SETI) is now more than half a century old and has provoked enough discussion on technical, philosophical, and popular level, much of it critical. Historically, the criticism of SETI has been strong enough to heavily influence the course of research, so that there is a significant interest in discerning the nuances and fine points of critical argumentation. In this paper, I outline the two major forms of SETI scepticism, “fundamentalist” and “instrumentalist,” which are often conflated in the published literature, both technical and popular. Precise delineation between these two types of scepticism is important for future research as a part of a wider taxonomic project, the build-up of SETI theory, as well as for smooth joining of SETI with the ongoing astrobiological revolution. Resolving the confusion in this respect is likely to lead to an improved atmosphere and heightened public image of future SETI searches and related activities. |
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| Keywords: | Astrobiology Extraterrestrial intelligence Epistemology Public outreach Science in media |
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