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Are We Alone?: Philosophical Implications of the Discovery of Extraterrestrial Life

Are We Alone?: Philosophical Implications of the Discovery of Extraterrestrial Life
By Paul Davies

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Product Description

Scientists and governments are actively searching for signs of life in the universe. Will their efforts meet with success? Award-winning author Paul Davies, an eminent scientist who writes with the flair of a science fiction writer, explores the ramifications that the discovery of extraterrestrial life would have for our science, our religions, and our worldview in general.

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #835548 in Books
  • Published on: 1996-06-07
  • Original language: English
  • Number of items: 1
  • Binding: Paperback
  • 176 pages

Customer Reviews

Another Davies triumph...5
I had to write in light of the review by tedd1@erols.com: "That which is possible in nature tends to become realized." (The reader should be pointed to another of Paul Davies' excellent books, The 5th Miracle) "In an infinite universe anything that can happen will happen, and happen infinitely often." - again another Davies book, Other Worlds is highly recommended for a more indepth study of these concepts only touched on in this philosophical book. Superb, and not tainted.

Interesting and educational, but flawed by opinion.3
This is an insightful and thought provoking book that is somewhat unclear of what it wants to be. A more appropriate sub-title for the book would have been; "Philosophical Implications of the Existence of Extraterrestrial Life." The greatest flaw of the entire book is that early on the author points out theories such as, "That which is possible in nature tends to become realized." and "In an infinite universe anything that can happen will happen, and happen infinitely often." The author then goes on to state his opinion a number of times that aliens could never traverse the great distances between stars so he will only discuss the implications of contact with aliens via radio communications. Apparently the last quote also applies to the human ability to underestimate science, intelligence and human (alien) will. I would have been willing to give a higher rating if the author had not made such an erroneous statement.

An amazing book!5
This is an excellent discussion of the concept of extraterrestrial life and its philosophical implications for humanity.This book also delves into the areas of complex systems, emergent phenomena and consciousness.I highly recommend it for anyone with even a mild interest in this area!