A Critical Review on the Assumptions of SETI (1901.10551v1)

Abstract: The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) makes certain assumptions which guide all current search programs. To illustrate some, this includes (1) that interstellar flight is not possible (2) that the motivations of interstellar cultures are based largely on anthropomorphic understandings of homo sapiens (3) that the Fermi Paradox and the Drake equation are the starting point (axioms) of all reasoning (4) that definitions of 'life' are based largely on our understanding of homeostasis (5) that radio waves are the most likely method of interstellar communications (6) that unknown single event source signatures detected in space are not amenable to scrutiny due to the demands of the scientific method to be reproducible (7) that such anomalous signatures are either astronomical or communications based in type with no consideration for emissions from advanced industrialisation or propulsion and power technology. These assumptions, and others, have guided the SETI community towards a constrained level of thinking that is equivalent to philosophical dogma. In this paper, we unpack these assumptions, and others, and argue that the potential for life and intelligent life in the Cosmos may be much greater than the SETI community currently appears to conclude. It is also argued that more progress in our underanding of our place in the Cosmos can be made, if the separate disciplines of astronomy, interstellar spacecraft design, SETI, biology and philosophy can work together in a complementary way. Presented at the 47th IAA Symposium on the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence. SETI and Society.

• The paper critiques SETI by questioning its reliance on anthropocentric assumptions, such as strict interpretations of the Fermi Paradox and Drake Equation.
• It scrutinizes the skepticism around interstellar flight by referencing projects like Daedalus and Icarus to argue that technological feasibility may not be an insurmountable challenge.
• Long calls for re-evaluating extraterrestrial motivations, advocating for an interdisciplinary approach that broadens the criteria for detecting intelligent life.

A Critical Examination of SETI's Foundational Assumptions

K. F. Long's paper presents a rigorous analysis challenging the foundational assumptions underlying the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). The author critiques these premises, asserting that the current approach to SETI may be unduly limited by anthropocentric and historical perspectives, thus potentially hindering progress in the field. This essay explores the primary arguments and suggestions made by Long while reflecting on their implications for future research in interstellar paper and SETI.

Key Critiques and Insights

1. Assumptions Limiting SETI's Perspective: Long identifies several assumptions prevalent in SETI, such as the improbability of interstellar flight, the anthropomorphic motivations attributed to extraterrestrial entities, and the reliance on the Fermi Paradox and Drake Equation. The paper argues that these assumptions may confine the scope of inquiry and inhibit the exploration of diverse possibilities in the search for intelligent extraterrestrial life.
2. Interstellar Flight Feasibility: One of the central critiques is the SETI community's skepticism regarding interstellar flight. Long references historical projects such as Daedalus and its successor Icarus, which demonstrate the theoretical feasibility of interstellar travel. By presenting various concepts and studies, the paper suggests that with technological maturity and funding, interstellar travel is not an insurmountable challenge, thus questioning the notion that the absence of evidence for extraterrestrial contact is due to travel constraints.
3. Re-evaluating Extraterrestrial Motivations: Long challenges the assumption that extraterrestrial cultures would share human aspirations for exploration or communication. The possibility of non-anthropocentric motivations—or even a deliberate avoidance of interaction—highlights the need for SETI to broaden its conceptual framework when interpreting the absence of contact.
4. Fermi Paradox and Drake Equation: Set against a backdrop of philosophical and mathematical inquiry, Long urges the community to reconsider the Fermi Paradox not as an empirical dilemma but as a potential mismatch of theoretical presumptions and observational limitations. The paper calls for a reassessment of the Drake Equation terms, noting significant uncertainties and advocating for flexibility in defining "life" and "intelligence."
5. Technosignatures and Anomalous Signals: Long emphasizes the potential significance of single-event astronomical detections, such as the infamous 'Wow!' signal, suggesting that these could hold information about extraterrestrial civilizations, albeit not conforming to conventional scientific expectations. The reliance on reproducibility, while fundamental to the scientific method, might preclude serious consideration of such unique but potentially valuable data.

Implications and Future Directions

The arguments presented by Long have broad implications for how the scientific community approaches the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. By questioning and expanding the criteria that define SETI's search parameters, this paper encourages an interdisciplinary approach that incorporates insights from astronomy, philosophy, biology, and interstellar engineering. This integration may yield novel methodologies and theoretical frameworks conducive to detecting extraterrestrial life.

In future developments, the introduction of reconnaissance probes to supplement SETI’s long-distance observations could offer empirical data to address some uncertainties inherent in terrestrial observations alone. Additionally, Long’s proposition that SETI embrace a broader definition of life and intelligence opens avenues for exploring non-carbon-based life forms and examining unconventional technosignatures.

In conclusion, Long’s comprehensive critique invites researchers to re-evaluate the foundational assumptions of SETI, advocating for an expanded vision that embraces a wider array of cosmic possibilities, and thus potentially accelerating our understanding of life’s place in the universe.