THE FERMI
PARADOX

& CREATION

Olivia Ostler
Published 4/28/2023

The Fermi Paradox is a concept that has fascinated scientists and enthusiasts for decades. This paradox is presented when there is a high probability that extraterrestrial civilizations exist, but no evidence that they are present. The Fermi Paradox poses the question: if intelligent life is so likely to exist, why have we not detected any signs of it?

The Fermi Paradox was first proposed by physicist Enrico Fermi in 1950. It states that the high probability of the existence of extraterrestrial civilizations suggests that we should have already detected signs of their existence. However, the lack of evidence for the existence of intelligent life raises the question of why this is the case. There are several proposed explanations for the Fermi Paradox, including the possibility that extraterrestrial civilizations may not have the ability or desire to communicate with us, that intelligent life may be scarce, or that civilizations may have already gone extinct.

Enrico Fermi (1901 - 1954)

One possible explanation for the Fermi Paradox is that the conditions necessary for the existence of intelligent life are rare or difficult to achieve. Understanding the conditions necessary for the emergence and evolution of life can provide insights into the likelihood of the existence of extraterrestrial civilizations and the potential reasons for the absence of evidence for their existence.  Researchers and scientists in the field of astrobiology may ultimately be able to accomplish this by examining the implications of current knowledge about origins and conditions necessary to support life in the universe, as well as continuing innovative research and exploration in the search for extraterrestrial life.

It has been a long-standing interest of many individuals to seek life beyond the Earth. Scientists have recently been able to detect exoplanets orbiting stars outside our solar system thanks to advances in technology. (Pockriss) This has maximized the likelihood of discovering other forms of life in the universe. It raises many questions as to the nature of life and the conditions, which are necessary for its emergence and evolution if extraterrestrial life is present. Some scientists argue that life may be common in the universe, given the abundance of planets that may be able to support life. Others suggest that life may be rare, and the emergence of intelligent life even rarer.

As humans continue to search for life, the definition of life has been a topic of interest, both scientifically and philosophically, throughout history. In scientific terms, life is defined as a chemical system capable of self-sustaining and evolving through natural selection. (Gómez-Márquez) However, there are many interpretations of life-based on the unknown regarding certain aspects such as intelligence, lifestyle, and necessary conditions for survival.

Comprehending these conditions, and other aspects of survival, necessary for the emergence and evolution of life can provide insights into the likelihood of the existence of extraterrestrial civilizations and the potential reasons for the absence of evidence for their existence.

“...more exotic entities can be envisioned, including organic forms with novel biochemistries, dynamic inorganic matter, and self-replicating machines. The probability that any particular form of life will be found on another planetary body depends on the nature and history of that alien world. So the biospheres would likely be very different on a rocky planet with an ice-covered global ocean, a barren planet devoid of surface liquid…” (Irwin & Schulze-Makuch 130)

By studying the meaning of human life, we can gain a better understanding of the conditions necessary for the emergence of intelligent life and the potential reasons for its absence. Since humans and our interpretations of aliens fit the “common definition of life,” studying the meaning of human life can provide insight into the conditions in which alien civilizations can exist and the purpose of life in general.

The Vastness of Hypothesis

Due to the specific conditions that are required for life to exist and even emerge in the universe, the Rare Earth hypothesis has become one of the prevailing theories in this space. However, this hypothesis fails to account for the vast size of the universe and the numerous potentially habitable exoplanets that have been discovered in recent years. According to Schleicher and Bovino, researchers in astrophysics at the University of Göttingen, "The number of potentially habitable planets in our galaxy alone is estimated to be on the order of tens of billions, with at least a few in every galaxy of the observable Universe." The distance between the planet and its star, the presence of water, and the composition of the atmosphere all contribute to this estimate. Although not all of these planets may support life, the fact that there are so many potentially habitable planets in the observable universe suggests that extraterrestrial life is neither impossible nor improbable.

Another hypothesis proposed to explain the Fermi Paradox is the Great Filter hypothesis, which suggests that certain barriers or challenges are extremely difficult for civilizations to overcome, leading to the extinction or failure of most, if not all, intelligent species. However, this hypothesis suffers from the problem of a lack of empirical evidence to support it. As Schleicher and Bovino (2) note, "Without any knowledge about the location or timing of the Great Filter, it is difficult to estimate its probability of occurrence, and hence its relevance for the Fermi Paradox." The vastness and unknowns of the universe present significant challenges in developing a comprehensive understanding of the Fermi Paradox. While various hypotheses have been proposed to explain the absence of evidence for extraterrestrial civilizations, their flaws highlight the need for continued research and exploration in this field.

Rare Earth
We are the first or are the only ones to get this far so we need to reach out first.
Great Filter
Either by natural disasters or destroying themselves before they can travel the planet.
Zoo Hypotheses
We are being watched and studied like animals in a zoo.
Aestivation
There are aliens but they are hibernating, there could be many reasons for this. One being they are waiting for their robots to solve some problem.

Definition of Life and Its Issues


While there may be various definitions of what constitutes life, scientists generally agree that it involves a set of characteristics that enable organisms to carry out certain functions, such as growth, reproduction, and adaptation. As Gómez-Márquez notes, an expert in the field of synthetic biology and biotechnology, life can be seen as a “complex system of chemical reactions that maintain themselves through self-sustaining cycles, allowing for replication and evolution over time.” Such a definition of life can potentially apply to any chemical system that exhibits these properties, including extraterrestrial life. But due to current understandings, we lack the research to firmly place such a definition on alien life.

This is because one of the biggest challenges in studying extraterrestrial life is that we have limited knowledge of the conditions necessary for its emergence and evolution. However, by studying the meaning of human life and the conditions necessary for our existence, we can gain insights into the potential similarities and differences between humans and aliens. For example, some scientists have suggested that the emergence of intelligent life on Earth was a result of a series of fortuitous events, such as the formation of the moon, which stabilized the Earth's rotation and allowed for a stable climate (Livio 54). Understanding the specific conditions that led to the emergence of intelligent life on Earth can help us identify potential conditions that may be necessary for the existence of extraterrestrial life.

Furthermore, as Gómez-Márquez points out, the discovery of extraterrestrial life may challenge our existing definitions of life and force us to expand our understanding of what is possible. The discovery of a new form of life with different biochemistry, for example, could revolutionize our understanding of the origins and evolution of life in the universe. Studying the meaning of human life can provide valuable insights into the potential similarities and differences between humans and aliens, and help us identify potential conditions that may be necessary for extraterrestrial existence.

Concepts of life are intertwined with our understanding of the universe and our place within it. According to Benner (1021), a well-known and respected scientist in the field of astrobiology, defining life is a complex issue that requires consideration of many factors, including the ability to reproduce, evolve, and respond to the environment. However, these criteria may not apply to all forms of life, including hypothetical extraterrestrial life.

01
05
Humans and The Universe

Despite the challenges in defining life, it is clear that humans are deeply tied to the nature of the universe. Our biological processes are influenced by the physical and chemical properties of our environment, including the presence of water, the availability of energy sources, and the effects of radiation. Moreover, human culture and society have developed in response to the natural world, from agriculture and medicine to astronomy and physics. Thus, due to technological advances, a focus has been presented on space for the search of alien life for a plethora of reasons.

As we continue to explore the universe and search for signs of extraterrestrial life, it is important to recognize the interconnectedness of all forms of life with the universe. This can provide insight into the conditions necessary for life to emerge and evolve, as well as our own place within the universe. As Benner (1023) notes, "defining life on a cosmic scale requires consideration of the physical and chemical conditions that are found throughout the universe, as well as the possibility of alternative biochemistries." By understanding the nature of the universe and the diversity of life within it, we can gain a better appreciation for our existence and the potential for life beyond Earth.

The Impact of Communication



According to Witzany, a renowned biologist and expert in the field of astrobiology, the importance of communication in the emergence and evolution of life is emphasized. The author argues that the ability to exchange information is essential to the survival and reproduction of living systems. This exchange of information can occur both within and between organisms and allows for the development of complex networks of interactions. However, Witzany notes that communication is not limited to language and that other forms of communication, such as chemical signals, are also important in the emergence of life and the continuity of a complex and diverse civilization.The ability to communicate is a defining characteristic of human life. It is through language and communication that we can share knowledge and ideas and create complex societies. While other species are capable of basic communication, they lack the same level of sophistication and complexity as the human language. This raises the question of whether extraterrestrial civilizations would possess similar communication abilities, and how this may impact their ability to form complex societies.

1

4

2

4

3

4

4

4

It is through language and communication that we can share knowledge and ideas and create complex social structures. In contrast, other species are limited in their ability to communicate and cannot thus form complex societies. This raises questions about the potential for extraterrestrial civilizations to form complex societies, and how their communication abilities may impact how they develop. The absence of evidence for extraterrestrial communication may suggest that other civilizations lack the same level of sophistication as human society, or may be using forms of communication that are not yet detectable by humans.

The Link Between Worlds

While there are many arguments for the existence of alien life, it is important to consider the possibility that these beliefs are driven by a desire for a deeper meaning in life, rather than actual evidence. This is supported by credible research such as that conducted by FioRito et al. (139), who are respected experts in the field of psychology. Their study found that individuals with higher levels of religiosity and belief in paranormal phenomena also tend to have a greater sense of meaning in life. It is possible that the belief in extraterrestrial life could be another manifestation of this desire for a greater purpose or meaning.

Furthermore, the search for extraterrestrial life has often been driven by cultural and societal factors, rather than purely scientific curiosity. For example, the Cold War era saw a significant increase in interest in the possibility of alien life, which was often tied to fears of the unknown and the potential for extraterrestrial threats. More recently, the search for extraterrestrial life has been heavily influenced by popular culture, with science fiction and media portrayals of alien life shaping public perceptions and expectations.

Ultimately, while the search for extraterrestrial life is an important scientific endeavor, it is important to approach it with a critical eye and consider the potential biases and underlying motivations that may be driving our beliefs. Rather than assuming that the existence of alien life is given, we should continue to investigate and explore the universe with an open mind and willingness to consider alternative explanations.

The Distinction Between Humans and Aliens

While some argue that there may be similarities between humans and aliens in terms of purpose and lifestyle, it is important to consider that humans and aliens are fundamentally different entities. This idea is supported by Marc Kaufman, astrobiological author, and researcher, who states on NASA's astrobiology website that “the prospect of finding life elsewhere is one of the most profound discoveries humans can make. It would change our sense of ourselves and our place in the universe. But it’s a huge leap from talking about the possibilities of life on Mars or Europa, for example, to understanding anything about what life might be like on those worlds.” This highlights the vast gap in knowledge that exists between humans and aliens.

Louis N. Irwin and Dirk Schulze-Makuch, two experts in astrobiology, also support the idea that humans and aliens are fundamentally different entities, citing the vast differences in environmental conditions that would shape the evolution of life on different planets. (Irwin and Schulze-Makuch 130). In their journal, “The Astrobiology of Alien Worlds: Known and Unknown Forms of Life,” they argue that “alien life may be beyond our current understanding of what constitutes life, and extraterrestrial life may be based on different biochemical systems than life on Earth.” This suggests that even if alien life is discovered, it may be so different from humans that any similarities in lifestyle or purpose would be impossible to draw.

Looking Ahead in Extraterrestrial Research

In conclusion, the search for extraterrestrial life raises many philosophical questions about our place in the universe and our understanding of life itself. While the Fermi Paradox highlights the lack of evidence for intelligent life beyond Earth, current hypotheses remain flawed due to the vast size and unknowns of the universe. Correspondingly, while various definitions of life exist, they all center around the concept of communication, replication, and evolution. Our existence as humans is uniquely tied to our nature in the universe, but we must also consider the possibility of alternative forms of life that may exist elsewhere.

However, we must also acknowledge that our search for extraterrestrial life is often influenced by our desires for the meaning of life. While the discovery of alien life would undoubtedly be groundbreaking, we must ensure that our pursuit of this knowledge is not solely driven by a need for answers about our existence. Instead, we should strive to explore the universe with an open mind, free from preconceived notions and biases.

In the end, the search for extraterrestrial life is a reminder of the vastness and complexity of the universe we inhabit. It challenges us to think deeply about our place in the cosmos and the nature of life itself.  It is imperative that we, as astrobiological scientists and researchers, continue exploring and discovering answers with curiosity, humility, and a commitment to understanding the world.

Works Cited

Benner, Steven A. “Defining Life.” Astrobiology, vol. 10, no. 10, Dec. 2010, pp. 1021–1030. Mary Ann Liebert Inc., doi: 10.1089/ast.2010.0524.

FioRito, Taylor A., et al. “Religion, Paranormal Beliefs, and Meaning in Life.” Religion, Brain and Behavior, vol. 11, no. 2, Oct. 2020, pp. 139–146. Taylor and Francis, doi: 10.1080/2153599x.2020.1824938.

Gómez-Márquez, Jaime. “What Is Life?” Molecular Biology Reports, vol. 48, no. 8, July 2021, pp. 6223–6230. Springer Science+Business Media, doi: 10.1007/s11033-021-06594-5.

Irwin, Louis N., and Dirk Schulze-Makuch. “The Astrobiology of Alien Worlds: Known and Unknown Forms of Life.” Universe, vol. 6, no. 9, Aug. 2020, p. 130. MDPI, doi: 10.3390/universe6090130.Kaufman, Marc. “About Astrobiology: Life, Here and Beyond.” NASA, astrobiology.nasa.gov/about. Accessed 14 March 2023.Livio, Mario. "The Cosmic Equation for the Origin of Life." Scientific American, vol. 318, no. 5, May 2018, pp. 52-59.Pockriss, Michael. “The Search for Life Beyond Earth: A Brief History of SETI.” Space.com, 7 Jan. 2020, www.space.com/search-for-life-beyond-earth-history-seti.html.Schleicher, Dominik R. G., and Stefano Bovino. “The Fermi Paradox: Impact of Astrophysical Processes and Dynamical Evolution.” International Journal of Astrobiology, vol. 22, no. 1, July 2022, pp. 1–14. Cambridge UP, doi: 10.1017/s147355042200026x.Witzany, Guenther. “What Is Life?” Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences, vol. 7, Mar. 2020. Frontiers Media, doi:10.3389/fspas.2020.00007.

References

Pockriss, Sarah. "Exoplanets: How Do We Find Them?" Space.com, 17 July 2020, www.space.com/17638-exoplanets.html.