Are We Alone?: Philosophical Implications Of the Discovery Of Extraterrestrial Life: Amazon.ca: Paul Davies: Books

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The authentic discovery of extraterrestrial life would usher in a scientific revolution on par with Copernicus or Darwin, says Paul Davies. Just as these ideas sparked religious and philosophical controversy when they were first offered, so would proof of life arising away from Earth. With this brief book (160 pages, including two appendices and an index), Davies tries to get ahead of the curve and begin to sort out the metaphysical mess before it happens. Many science fiction writers have preceded him, of course, but here the matter is plainly put. This is a very good introduction to a compelling subject.

From Publishers Weekly

This bite-size volume for the nonscientist reviews fact and speculation concerning the possible existence of extraterrestrial life. In the process, Davies (The Mind of God) explores metaphysical arguments and attitudes that would be affected by discovery of other life. A physicist, natural philosopher and winner of the 1995 Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion, he presents an approach that is broad and inquiring, not dogmatic. In clear and comfortable prose, he renders some deep thoughts in terms of simple, intuitive concepts, with many effective references to relevant theology, philosophy and science fiction as well as natural science. Contents include a sketch of NASA's current search program (SETT) and a survey of the vested viewpoints at risk. An intriguing chapter considers the nature of consciousness (distinguished from intelligence) as it may exist in the universe. Davies concludes that boundaries between religious and scientific facets of the topic may be illusory. Illustrations.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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4.0 out of 5 stars Intellectually provocative, with religious implications, Feb 22 2004

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M. A Michaud "michael_michaud" (Dulles, VA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Are We Alone?: Philosophical Implications of the Discovery of Extraterrestrial Life (Hardcover)

This short book, based on a series of lectures, offers philosophical and logical insights into the question of extraterrestrial life and intelligence. Davies begins with admirably concise chapters on the history of SETI, "Extraterrestrial Microbes," and the implications of detecting alien intelligences. He then addresses biological and evolutionary arguments opposing the search, coming down firmly on the side of life and intelligence being emergent properties of the universe. His long excursion into the nature of consciousness, illustrated by some rather crude diagrams, wanders away from this main line of argument until its end, when Davies returns to the idea that consciousness is an emergent property.

Davies, who goes far deeper into the religious aspects of the search than most authors, has strongly held views that challenge the clear separation between the scientific and religious aspects of this topic. He connects the search with spirituality. The theme of alien beings acting as a conduit to the Ultimate, he writes, touches a deep chord in the human psyche.

If you are looking for a general introduction to the search and its implications, you will find more comprehensive treatments elsewhere. This book does not pretend to be detached; it presents a well argued point of view. Even if you don't agree with Davies, he deserves a reading.

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5.0 out of 5 stars We're not., Mar 4 2003

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mfx3 (Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Are We Alone?: Philosophical Implications Of the Discovery Of Extraterrestrial Life (Paperback)

This is a great book, regardless of the fact that it is broad and simplified. After all, that's what the author intended to do (so stated in the introduction). It's not meant to prove existence of aliens to the reader, merely to open new doors and trains of thought. Brilliantly written, well done, I liked it. Some reviewers are too hard on this book because it doesn't offer a complex, scientifically-proven base of information with regards to the subject. Well, give the guy some credit, that proof just doesn't exist. He does a fantastic job writing with what he has, and I recommend this book to anyone who thinks about the unknown.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing questions., Jan 4 2003

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Luc REYNAERT (Beernem, Belgium) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Are We Alone?: Philosophical Implications Of the Discovery Of Extraterrestrial Life (Paperback)

Paul Davies tries to answer some essential questions: is there extraterrestrial life (ET)? What would happen if we discover it? What would be the character of that life? Would it be conscious?
His answer is: the most plausible outcome of conservative (!) assumptions implies that there are an infinite number (not more than that) of identical creatures in the universe.

An important consequence of the discovery of ET could be the undermining of the Neo-Darwinist theory that life and consciousness are totally arbitrary emerging phenomena. It could indicate that there is a progressive evolutionary trend in the universe.
In fact, Paul Davies sees it already on our planet and calls it the law of increasing complexity. This increasing complexity creates the brain and consciousness. For consciousness, for him, is a basic characteristic of the universe.

But why or how does consciousness emerge? As with other authors who tackled this question, Paul Davies gives no answer.

This book is one long supposition. As long as we don't discover or get in contact with ET, all his questions will stay unanswered.

This book reads like a thriller. Not be missed.

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