[extropy-chat] Re: Fermi Paradox and Simulation Argument

[Dennis May]

The Avantguardian wrote:

>>1. Fermi paradox:
       Any advanced species from an extrasolar planet would have realized 
the same Darwinian processes have shaped the life on their world as it has 
on ours. Knowing that any other advanced species it encounters would more 
likely represent a competitor than an ally. Especially since life based on 
selfish replicators such as genes, or even memes for that matter, would 
converge on similar strategies of kin selection and deception to forward 
their own ends. Therefore it would seem reasonable that any sufficiently 
advanced alien species would be too canny to advertise their existence 
through indiscriminate radio broadcasts for fear of invasion or, if more 
aggressive, to avoid tipping their hands to any potential targets for 
invasion.
       The Fermi Paradox could be a little like a naval battle between 
submarines where each sub is carefully listening to their passive sonars 
trying to detect enemy subs and is loathe to use their active sonars for 
fear of allowing the enemy to pinpoint their location. If that is the case, 
we may already be screwed.>>

This is precisely my view: stealth, mobility,
and dispersion are the secrets to survival
in the high technology space universe of
WoMD and control of high energy
processes.  A single civilization can settle
a galaxy in no time.  It can settle several
galaxies a short time later.  It won't take
long to understand that there is no
advantage in advertising to competitors.
I'm sure intercivilization/species contact
and trade will happen but I doubt open
trust will ever be a wise thing even within
a given civilization or species.

Dennis May
____________________________
Physicist/Engineer/Inventor
determinism at hotmail.com

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