Food for Thought
2007-07-25 16:48:37 · 17 answers · asked by El Rey 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
No.
I think there have been thousands, even millions, of intelligences that have evolved in our galaxy alone. It's likely many, if not all, of them are here observing us right now. They will exist in what we can think of as ultra advanced computers - so advanced we can't detect them. We will soon have technology capable of detecting them however and it will be great.
2007-07-25 16:57:16 · answer #1 · answered by Michael da Man 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Given the size of the universe, it is highly unlikely that we are the only intelligent species in the universe. But that also depends on your definition of "intelligence." Generally intelligence implies self awareness, the ability to reason, plan and solve, but that can fall onto many species. Given this broad definition we have a start, relative to life that has evolved on Earth. However, until we have found life elsewhere we cannot say whether life on Earth is the standard model for intelligence and for the existence of life period. Beyond the model for intelligence there are other huge (and still somewhat unknown) variables at play. Drake's equation is the standard model used today, and given the range of numbers one can use in this equation, I still say that life is likely to be found somewhere else in the universe. However, this "belief" is still unfounded as we have yet to find positive proof of life elsewhere. Until other forms of life can be found outside of Earth, we cannot refine the numbers in the drake equation.
See the wikipedia for further information on the Drake Equation. As a start, keep in mind that there are 10^21 stars estimated to inhabit the known universe...
2007-07-26 00:08:39 · answer #2 · answered by Jeramey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably not. But we can't really be sure. If we contact another intelligent species, then we will be sure. But if there is no other intelligent species, we can never be sure. Lack of contact is no proof that they don't exist, but lack is all we will ever have if they really don't exist. If they do exist, I think we will contact them at some point. By bet is that there is a 99% chance they exist.
2007-07-25 23:53:41 · answer #3 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a chance to say my favorite quote.
A man once asked some one else if he thought there was a chance of intelligent life some where in space.
The other man replied "No"
"Why not?"
The other man's reply?
"Because intelligent life isn't found here on Earth, what makes you think there would be anything better out there?"
2007-07-25 23:55:13 · answer #4 · answered by gotagetaweigh 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Their are billions of other "intelligent" species on this very planet.
The only reason we humans think were smarter than other animals is because we think the Earth was made for us specifically.
2007-07-25 23:55:06 · answer #5 · answered by T-22<> 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely not. I think we probably rank on the level of an ear of corn in the great scheme of things.
2007-07-25 23:51:53 · answer #6 · answered by pepper 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its selfish to think we are. In our galaxy alone there are over 10 billion stars which could hold their own solar system like ours.,
2007-07-25 23:51:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. The universe is infinite. To think otherwise would be arrogant.
2007-07-25 23:50:59 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First I'd have to consider humans intelligent to begin with...
2007-07-26 11:27:15 · answer #9 · answered by aarowswift 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I doubt we are. But I believe the other intelligent life is not life as we know it.
2007-07-25 23:56:10 · answer #10 · answered by eric l 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋