Too early? on the apparent conflict of astrobiology and cosmology |
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Authors: | Milan M Ćirković |
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Institution: | (1) Astronomical Observatory of Belgrade, Volgina 7, 11160 Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro |
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Abstract: | An interesting consequence of the modern cosmological paradigm is the spatial infinity of the universe. When coupled with
naturalistic understanding of the origin of life and intelligence, which follows the basic tenets of astrobiology, and with
some fairly incontroversial assumptions in the theory of observation selection effects, this infinity leads, as Ken Olum has
recently shown, to a paradoxical conclusion. Olum's paradox is related, to the famous Fermi's paradox in astrobiology and
“SETI” studies. We, hereby, present an evolutionary argument countering the apparent inconsistency, and show how, in the framework
of a simplified model, deeper picture of the coupling between histories of intelligent/technological civilizations and astrophysical
evolution of the Galaxy, can be achieved. This strategy has consequences of importance for both astrobiological studies and
philosophy. |
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Keywords: | Astrobiology Extraterrestrial intelligence History and philosophy of astronomy Mass extinctions |
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