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Are we alone in the universe? This is a question that asked for millions in the eons that no solution to date. Of course, the word "only" means only in the sense that it is equivalent to our gross elsewhere, rather than improves. We want to know our neighbors across the street, not your pets or plants. The response of the gut by default to the question usually revolves around how big is the universe, and certainly in view of the billions of starsour galaxy and the existence of billions of galaxies each with billions of stars, etc., and the period of time, we certainly can not be the proverbial "It". Unfortunately, there is only a small error in this statistical approach. There is a fairly long chain of events that have occurred, the obstacles may be jumped to get out of the elements of star-stuff for organic cosmic neighbors. According to the speaker, that the chain can be very long. The point is, if ever a factor in thiscausal chain that has a very low probability to happen, it does not matter a whit whether or not all other factors are likely, the overall result will be low. If a factor closer to zero it does not matter, then the general answer is also to be close to zero, does not lie. Certainty with the assurance of security through confidence multiplied multiplied multiplied multiplied by zero with the assurance of security, ultimately, multiplied by the safetyzero!
Rather than requiring an exhaustive list of all these factors in our cosmic neighborhood, I'm going to focus on six essential.
First, you have the right kinds of matter and energy that nature as we can produce, and solid ground under their feet. This is not a problem. The universe has many types of energy available, star of producing and distributing the desired type of material, such as carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, silicon, etc. There are many solid bodies (planets), thethere. This is a vote for security.
Secondly, you have a solid planetary body in a habitable world, a suitable environment for physics, chemistry, biochemistry and biology to do their evolution. Fortunately, this should be a problem. There are a lot of properties out there and it comes in all sizes and flavors. Although there is always only one planet earth (I will discuss the many worlds interpretation of quantum physics, the term is avoidedparallel worlds, and the multiverse that could be discussed here) has taken place, and will, many, many homes similar to Earth, only letters perfect for life-as-we - we know them, survive to thrive. You throw in the non-life-as-we-know-it is suitable for those worlds are many possibilities. So, this is another vote for security.
Thirdly, physics, chemistry has become, and the chemistry became biology. We need to have had biologySource or a source, a source (s) of life, chemistry is an inevitable result of normal interactions between physics and everyday. Now, many argue that the origin of life is imposed as nearly as predictable as death, and a suitable habitat in the face. Many argue that the origin of life is a gift from heaven! In my opinion, the origin of life only once, and this is clearly guaranteed - there are and that we are living. Are we aa source of life, the rest is distribution. Panspermia is and how to allocate resources (microbial) life throughout the cosmos. So, I would still vote for the safety of new!
Fourth - Well, now we take the proverbial wall. You and your neighbors are not microbes - are a colony of microbes. In short, you're a multi-cellular organisms. We are trying, in the cosmos, other multicellular organisms, the fact that the probability thata microbe or unicellular organisms is not to show much more than a friend or drinking companion is a fact of life in the vicinity. So we need to get a multicellular individual learning, and sees the problem. It is here that we have left to focus on a sample of one - the land. Note: It 's dangerous to extrapolate from a sample of one, but what choice do we have?
There is no ecological niche occupied the field of multicellular organisms, not occupied by single-celled organisms(Germs). The converse is not true. You may think that the world totally dominated by multi-cellular organisms - your partner, your family, your pets, your garden, food, all life you see that your environment is multicellular you. There are millions of species of insects - all multi-cellular. What is the most common mistakes? But if you have a biological census, even in your home and garden that is apparently common in multicellular organisms are common, and considerablyOutnumbered by single-celled organisms with a ratio of trillions to one. What you do not see it does not matter!
Thus, multicellular organisms have a certainty of evolution? Is there anything that can reach a "colony" of cells 2 or 20 or 200 or 2000 or fill an ecological niche not occupied a cell can not? And by the way, that 2 or 20 or 200 or 2000 platform can now be selected for online before you in order to obtain two million and two billion colony stage. Well, clearly the transitionhappened here, although there are some seriously kick-3000000000 it took years to initiate the process, so that there is little some inevitable natural law. I mean, some take years to 3000000000, a colony of cells from a single cell does not have any confidence that the process is simple, necessary or inevitable. However, it happened here, so it is obviously possible. I do not see it as a super-evolutionary development, the immediate survival advantage-of-the-fittest. Of course, a colony of twocells may be more difficult to eat like a cell, but at this level, the "food" tends registered at the molecular level. In any case, the microbes can easily attach to "eat" and multicellular organisms, the disease, death and decay. We are, after all the food for microbes and proof of the pudding is, as we spend a small fortune to keep them under control. But in the end, even if you can win the battle against germs, you lose the last, and then the war.
Another factor supportingfor multicellular organisms, a common feature of the universe is that Universal is also much harder to bring the entire universe in a natural way - the concept of panspermia - multicellular organisms. I always have a microbe from Earth to Mars is one thing. The first is a cockroach is a completely different scenario.
multicellular development, the risk can not be zero, since we are multicellular, but the bottom line is that I can not assign a probability for the transition-E multi-cellular life on other habitable planet, every time. This is almost zero!
Fifth, as mentioned above, not to interact with your neighbors multicellular animals and multicellular plants garden, but your neighbors. What they have in common with your neighbors who do not share them with your neighbors pets or garden plants? Intelligence (although you probably think your neighbors are a few cents less than a dollar!).
L 'question now is whether, developed with a multicellular stage, will develop a higher brain functions? Is there an evolutionary advantage to further increase your intelligence? As we return to our example of one, if the soil is, the answer is "not likely". There are millions of multicellular species that have existed and do not exist on planet earth. There are apparently only very few species that have evolved somewhat over the minimum level of Brain Powernecessary for their daily survival. That does not inspire confidence that the intelligence value inevitably as a means of survival.
By far the majority of multicellular organisms just working on pure instinct and not (can not) stop, find things (and not even stop to smell the roses and enjoy) - but there is a true a few exceptions. Many wild birds would be our daily companion animals to shame in the Department of IQ. I mean, I love my cats, but Little Einsteinsno. idem our close primate cousins, whales and dolphins have been accredited to support higher IQ. In the realm invertebrate, the octopus is quite clever - invertebrate standards (and others, to be honest). But the bottom line is put in multicellular organisms from different evolutionary strategies in their higher brain functions. Take my cats. E 'for their survival advantage to "figure things out," or just a little' faster walking to listen, just a little 'bettersee more clearly? Almost all living things in their life skills in something other than pure brain power. Plain brain-power-survival of the fittest is the Internet. But is not the only game in town and therefore has no idea of what we call evolution "certainty". However, it would be illogical to say that in developing the intelligence, the ability to understand things, not values, and has no survival value, it's just that if you were to list all multicellular animalsSpecies on the planet Earth, had an IQ of only a few have even one (man an average of 100). So, say intelligence is somewhere between security and highly unlikely.
Then you take your neighbors are smart enough away and usually, is to stay in touch by phone (or e-mail). This is a further complication, it is not enough, just be smart. You must have the technology. Then and only then, are we alone? "If the issue is resolved in ourabsolute satisfaction. We need a technology if we are related to extraterrestrial intelligence (s) and / or need Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (s), the technology to find us. One or both of us invented Engineering at a very sophisticated - perhaps the rocket ships, perhaps radio telescopes, but some technology is required. There is also a hidden assumption here - you really want to seek out new civilizations. It does not matter if all the necessary technology, but did not haveused for the purpose of answering this question - "You are not alone in the universe" I am going to assume that if you have intelligence, and succeeded in building technology, then part of your intelligence is devoted to a strange creature that they know and find that what he wants - this is a certainty of one. But what the level of security is to develop the technology first? Among the worst judge terrestrial species, some rational smarts have in their account.There are, of course, the human species, and although not exactly like us a sample of one, it's pretty close. There are no comments documentary of some animals do (especially primates) is not so much to help, but using the existing "tools" in their survival. Oh, it lacks the most intelligent species on anatomy and / or the right environment to manipulate objects. In the case of dolphins and whales, to hinder their marine environment, all ways and means to build things and use of fireExample. Thus, this technology must be evaluated to judge our soil samples, but rather low.
The technology is also a double edged sword. The use of technology is obvious survival value for humans was. It would be hard to find dozens of technical inventions, which allows us to survive longer and grow to be better. But for the technical genius is out of the bottle, and if you are a hermit, you now have pointed out that the technology can alsoReduce our quality of life, and certainly would not want to be in difficulty to provide examples of dozens. This leads to good account in the final.
Finally there is the question of longevity. If you move your neighbors, but then move again in less than 24 hours, which does not leave much time to meet and talk over afternoon tea - a flash and are gone. But if both of them on the block for 20 years, allowing plenty of time afternoon tea, chat and philosophicalBridge games, etc. So, how long this technological age?
Well, the pessimist will look around and that has given global warming, the germs resistant to antibiotics, probably, pandemics, chemical and radiological and biological warfare or terrorism, species extinction, pollution rampant and usually a general quality of life Gurgler place quickly, so that the human race extinct - by his own hand. But if you're an optimist,then the sky is the limit.
Longevity - It 's hard to imaging what the human civilization, that man himself is like 1000 years from now, but if they are 1000 years could help you find, in fact, a human civilization, would find apparent, in fact,' people 'at all? Once on the stage of being a multicellular creature with the intelligence and technology, then physics and chemistry, evolutionary biology and simple everyday is no longer in your control are developed through evolution. They arenow under control! You have to control not only the future development of other types (artificial selection instead of natural selection), but their development. The age of designer babies is already upon us, although still in its infancy (pun intended). What takes several decades in this field now embryo, but, of course, a high school education and training continues more!
The man probably break within 1000 years, not because of a global nuclear war or pandemic, orAsteroid strike, but because they have their own hand at something else, evolves and the process has already begun. In fact, it is possible that in 1000 years, two species of humanoids were on the ground. It is a fusion of flesh and blood, as well as iron and silicon, the other "iron and silicon," Pure (robot).
The first is not too difficult to swallow. Simply replace or supplement the flesh and blood, pieces of "iron and silicon," bits (bits or pieces of wood or pieces of ceramic or plasticetc..) Verify the most pirated film and see the lady PEG-legs and hook hands. Do not you wear glasses or contact lenses? What is a hearing aid? Maybe you have an artificial joint (s) or a pacemaker. It is certainly a tooth filled (or two), maybe even dentures. Then there are all kinds of artificial skin and other types of internal or external technology that does not have flesh and blood replaced - such as dialysis. There is now a serious discussion of developing abionic eye in a few years (to go with the bionic ear). What other artificial "bio-bits are available in another 20 years, another 50 years or 200 years?" The era of "Robocop" or a real "Six Million Dollar Man" (and "Woman") is almost at the gates .
Within 200 years or so, I can imagine that you are able to use the contents of a human mind in an "iron and silicon, equivalent to download. Why? Well, the "immortality" word (or as close to immortality does not matter)suggest a possible reason? You think nothing of you eventually replace worn parts car for the new parts on the life of your car to be extended. Why not replace worn parts is endless. Your mind (brain) does not last forever. Replace - the move to a more durable technique Do it again and again and again if necessary. In fact, you could create a mega-super-mind-spirit or joining in a "iron and silicon," body a lot of thought. By combining the spirits say cosmologistgeneral relativity, quantum physics and mathematics, could speed the development of the Holy Grail of physics, the Theory of Everything (TOE) - this is a theory of quantum gravity.
Once your mind is in a "head of iron and silicon contained" fix, so that all of an "iron and silicon, '" body "Immortality. Really!
All this leads to a future of the earth by a humanoid robot developed artificial species inhabited by the human species today. This process muststarted. robotic devices, including artificial iron and silicon, 'animals' are on the market. The study of artificial intelligence is not yet complete. Watch that last minute of the last episode of the TV version of "Battlestar Galactica" How about the Sci-? Fi "Transformers" or "Terminator", or data (from "Star Trek: The Next Generation") Then there's "Doctor Who" Daleks or Cybermen (although they are part of the machine, a body part) Think. robot from "Westworld" or "Future World", wherenothing can go wrong go wrong go wrong go wrong go wrong ... Then there's "The Stepford Wives," "Cherry 2000", the original "Battlestar Galactica" Cylon, and many others. It could only science fiction today - could be tomorrow's science fact? It does not seem to be involved in a violation of physics. All you need is not banned! However, it seems that some of these science fiction scenarios that could eventually end up there is a conflict between the (sub) machines that we have become, and(Artificially) intelligent machines we create!
Of course we have control, so a robotic future is not necessarily required. But I suspect that will happen. Why? There are valid reasons for people to voluntarily leave their flesh and blood existence and development, even if not 100% iron and silicon, and mated to at least a portion of flesh and blood with one part "of iron and silicon, "- art (remember this prosthesis and PEG-legs) as we do today.
Apartarguments about immortality, it is beautiful, institutions and agencies more indestructible, which can be easily repaired. Death is not completely go away, of course - accidents still happen. Likely to take your mind can be 10, 100, 1000 times the amount of experience and memories and knowledge, etc., which is currently the case. You may be able to explore areas now closed to you, as a walk on the ocean - miles - depending on your robot's birthday. All. Which opens up the whole "boldly go experience what is the most difficult part of the journey to Mars - The fragility of flesh and blood of the human body - the need for gravity and oxygen and organic food and water, and clothing space and how they can not flesh and blood replacement components long and so extrapolating explore our solar system, then our stellar neighborhood, including the galaxy. even if you do not want to go, well, there's artificial intelligence housedperhaps in the body nanotechnology, such as the distribution of the whole cosmos as much cancer.
The ultimate aim of all this is that if in the end we (humans), because they (the aliens) now? Translated, after a relatively short period of biological development, a civilization to obtain longevity, evolutionary development of "iron and silicon, coupled with determined much more easily expand in the region of space.
This state of the art may also be partially reversedBottleneck created by the unlikelihood of its multicellular development. There may be relatively few multicellular infested planet, but once the technology of "iron and silicon," Art is to him, go ahead with courage, with fruitful and multiply and colonize the cosmos mechanically quickly fill this gap.
All this does not mean that we are in the here and now, the proverbial "it". However, there is "a probability or certainty that these factors suggest moreunlikely. The litmus test will be to find them, or look for them to us.
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