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| Personal background |
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I am a sociologist with graduate training in science and technology studies, although my current research is focused in health services research and policy. I've been interested by science in terms of its dominance in modern western culture, the limits to the kinds of knowledge science can produce, and in how scientific knowledge is produced. I'm also fascinated by technology which is evident in my hobbies of railroad modeling, personal computing and reading science fiction/fantasy.
My favorite fiction author is Stanislaw Lem. His personal knowledge of science and his keen perception of human culture produces some fascinating and to my mind more realistic ideas of what first contact might actually be like. These ideas of unresolved, almost existentialist, non-communication (as opposed to miscommunication) differ from typical views in the genre. Despite the vast number of his books that have been translated into English, I think his exposure in the U.S. is not as great as it should be. In my opinion, that is lamentable. Look for "The Cyberiad" if you want to be introduced to Lem and be entertained. If you're reading this, you might enjoy "His Master's Voice." For first contact stories, consider "Eden" or "Fiasco."
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| Thoughts about SETI and SETI@home |
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I don't know if extraterrestrial life exists, but I believe it is certainly possible and maybe even likely. I'm less certain that humans will discover it. Life, even intelligence, does not necessarily mean technology, so it's hard to say if we will be sufficiently open-minded or clever enough to recognize it if we run across it. If we do recognize it, I think the results will be as mixed and varied as that produced by most other knowledge (e.g., evolution, genetics, causes of disease, nuclear physics, electronics and computers). At worst, recognition of ET life may increase exploitation and strife. At best, it may extend and enrich life on Earth.
I run SETI@home for two reasons. First, I can do so with little cost to myself - SETI@home just runs in the interstices of my computing time. Without that, I would not be devoting much time to a SETI. Secondly, SETI@home gives me hope. I do not want to spend the time to calculate whether the parameters of the SETI@home project are the best. I only know that I think a SETI is a worthwhile endeavor for humanity. An individual who is able to think beyond his or her situation and needs is considered mature and civilized. A culture and a species that can look beyond its own situation and needs is morally better than one that does not. If I can contribute to the improvement of humanity in even this small way, that is worthwhile. |
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