The quest for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) has yielded no confirmed results so far, but optimism among scientists like Seth Shostak, senior astronomer at the SETI Institute, is growing. Shostak believes the rapid advancement of technology, specifically the doubling of search speed every two years, makes the discovery of an alien signal imminent. He compares such a discovery to the European encounter with the New World, but postulates its impact would be even more profound, marking a pivotal point in human history, dividing it into pre- and post-contact eras.
Public reaction to such a discovery, Shostak argues, would likely be driven by curiosity rather than panic, given the widespread belief in extraterrestrial life. He anticipates a global effort to communicate with the alien intelligence, a natural human impulse to connect and understand. However, he also acknowledges the possibility of a more cautious approach, with some advocating against broadcasting our presence, fearing potential risks from a technologically superior civilization. Concerns about resource exploitation or even hostile intentions might fuel this reluctance to respond.
Despite these concerns, Shostak points out the futility of trying to remain hidden, as our radio, television, and radar emissions have already been broadcasting our existence into space for decades. He foresees a diverse range of reactions, with some viewing the alien contact as an opportunity for knowledge and advancement, perhaps gaining insights that would otherwise take centuries to discover. Others would be consumed by deciphering the alien message, potentially triggering a collaborative global effort akin to the deciphering of hieroglyphics in the 19th century, leveraging the collective intelligence of the internet to unlock its secrets.
The potential religious ramifications of discovering extraterrestrial life are significant. Shostak draws parallels with the impact of European explorers on Pacific island cultures, whose religious systems were often overturned by the arrival of technologically advanced newcomers. The realization that Earth might not be unique in harboring life could challenge existing beliefs about humanity’s place in the universe, potentially leading to a reassessment of religious doctrines. The discovery could undermine the perception of Earth’s special status, a notion often deeply ingrained in religious thought.
The discovery of even microbial life on Mars, though less dramatic than contact with an intelligent civilization, would still carry profound implications. Such a finding would demonstrate that life can arise in multiple locations, challenging the view of life as a unique miracle confined to Earth. This realization could be unsettling for some, forcing a confrontation with the idea that humanity is not as exceptional as previously believed. The implications extend beyond scientific understanding, touching upon philosophical and existential questions about our place in the cosmos.
Addressing the recent surge in UFO and UAP sightings, Shostak remains skeptical of their extraterrestrial origins. He questions the logic of advanced alien civilizations focusing on seemingly mundane terrestrial activities, using the example of drones allegedly observing New Jersey culture. Instead, he suggests that the eventual discovery of an extraterrestrial signal might not originate from biological life at all.
Shostak proposes that biological intelligence is merely a stepping stone towards the development of synthetic intelligence – advanced thinking machines. He envisions a future where biological extraterrestrial intelligence might be considered a quaint notion, replaced by the understanding that advanced civilizations are likely to be based on artificial intelligence. This perspective shifts the search parameters from biological signatures to potential signs of advanced technology, potentially redefining the strategies employed in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. This shift in focus anticipates a future where the search for extraterrestrial intelligence extends beyond the search for biological life to encompass the search for advanced artificial intelligence, reflecting the ongoing evolution of our understanding of the universe and the potential forms intelligence might take.
