Dysonian Approach to SETI: A Fruitful Middle Ground
From The Space Library
Author - R. J. Bradbury et al
Co-Author(s) - R. J. Bradbury; M. M. Cirkovic; G. Dvorsky
JBIS Volume # - 64
Page # - 156-165
Year - 2011
Keywords - Astrobiology, extraterrestrial intelligence, SETI projects, history and philosophy of science, future studies, transhumanism, macroengineering
JBIS Reference Code # - 2011.64.156
Number of Pages - 10
Abstract
We critically assess the prevailing currents in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI), embodied in the notion of radio-searches for intentional artificial signals as envisioned by pioneers such as Frank Drake, Philip Morrison, Michael Papagiannis and others. In particular, we emphasize (1) the necessity of integrating SETI into a wider astrobiological and future studies context, (2) the relevance of and lessons to be learnt from the anti-SETI arguments, in particular Fermi's paradox, and (3) a need for complementary approach which we dub the Dysonian SETI. It is meaningfully derived from the inventive and visionary ideas of Freeman J. Dyson and his imaginative precursors, like Konstantin E. Tsiolkovsky, Olaf Stapledon, Nikola Tesla or John B. S. Haldane, who suggested macro-engineering projects as the focal points in the context of extrapolations about the future of humanity and, by analogy, other intelligent species. We consider practical ramifications of the Dysonian SETI and indicate some of the promising directions for future work.
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