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If you're arguing it may not be possible to colonise space at all, that may be true but isn't germane to this discussion. The idea of Fermi paradox and the "gre
by stupidcar 6y ago
If you're arguing it may not be possible to colonise space at all, that may be true but isn't germane to this discussion. The idea of Fermi paradox and the "great filter" presupposes that it is possible, and that there is some other, civilisation-ending event that stops it.
My argument is that, within the context of a debate that accepts the precepts of the Fermi paradox and great filter, the likelihood of where the great filter can be placed is constrained by probability. Within that context, even a limited colonisation of our own solar system would be sufficient to drastically reduce the likelihood of a single event to wipe out humanity entirely.
- joe_the_user 6y agoIf you're arguing it may not be possible to colonise space at all, that may be true but isn't germane to this discussion. The idea of Fermi paradox and the "great filter" presupposes that it is possible, and that there is some other, civilisation-ending event that stops it. Sure, this is the presupposition of the Fermi paradox but it is generally presented as an obvious things. Obviously, an advanced civilization can and will colonize not just it's own solar system but some larger area, even a galaxy. I don't that's either obviously possible or obviously what an advanced society would do. The "filter" could be that a society based on quick growth either wipes itself out or reaches a situation of stability such that "colonizing the galaxy" doesn't hold any great appeal. And human beings so far are extraordinarily depend on earth. It be easier to survive on even earth degraded by global warming or nuclear war than it would be to live in space. Space colonies, if they ever exist, will extraordinarily fragile and their ability to survive a disaster rendering the uninhabitable seems minute.