SETI and Pseudoscience

 

June 6th: SETI science?

June 6, 2024

The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) is an effort to detect signs of intelligent life beyond Earth. Large radio telescopes, sophisticated data analysis, and other "scientific" techniques are used by SETI to search the universe for signals that might point to the existence of extraterrestrial civilizations. Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, SETI is still investigating the possibility that life exists elsewhere in the universe.




However, SETI is a perfect middle ground for an organization that seemingly falls between the current discussion between pseudoscience and science. To ensure credibility and reliability, science depends on empirical data, thorough testing, peer review, and reproducibility via the scientific method. These standards are absent from pseudoscience, which makes its claims less credible and dependable because it frequently relies on anecdotal evidence, ignores contradicting data, and shies away from rigorous testing. Some current pseudosciences include astrology and phrenology.

My group decided that the SETI mission is ultimately pseudoscience because there is no way to disapprove extraterrestrial life through the actions of SETI. SETI may seem scientific, but an activity that currently utilizes scientific means doesn't always represent science.

Looking at historical circumstances that are similar to this search, we can use Sea Travel during the 1400s for a sea route to Asia. Although it seems far off, both SETI and European travelers were looking for an end goal through scientific means. European explorers utilized the astrolabe and scientific knowledge similar to the techniques of SETI. The overall exploration was not science, but science was utilized. 




This debate in the world of science and pseudoscience is still ongoing. This blog is my opinion and thoughts on it. For more information, check these links. 

https://infobase.com/blog/search-for-extraterrestrial-intelligence-seti-a-featured-controversy-from-issues-controversies/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/startswithabang/2021/02/16/watch-harvard-astronomer-mansplains-seti-to-the-legend-who-inspired-carl-sagans-contact/?sh=8cfb780620b8

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