Hi Shelley;
I have stated that I have no particular hang-ups about whether exo-life exists or not ... I really don’t care one way or the other. But, until a single instance of exo-life IS found, both perspectives are equally valid. I have been called a ‘fence-sitter’ here at IIS but as a result of taking this position, I have seen something quite extraordinary ...
In the General Chat thread ‘Propositions ...’ Bert’s words are a great example of precise, scientifically sound wording (in support of the ‘possibility that exo-life exists’ camp):
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We can however by observation and inference conclude, given the right conditions, life will inevitably occur, given the correct conditions.
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Which hooks up very nicely with the theme of ‘Wonders of the Solar System’ which attempts to focus on the universality of the Laws of Physics (ie: they work everywhere) and yet, they result in huge variations as exhibited by diversity of exo-environments.
An adjunct view supporting the contrary, (ie: against the ‘possibility that exo-life exists’ camp), usually argues many aspects, (not the least of which is that there is no evidence of exo-life, as yet), but for me, this analogy demonstrates the thinking behind it, to perfection (credits again, to Bert):
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The laws of Physics govern what happens when a brick on a rubber band is pulled up an inclined plane of carborundum (sand) paper. No matter how many times you run the experiment every outcome is different. It is called a complex system.
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(There are many other examples, but I love the simplicity of this one).
If the emergence of life in the universe follows this same pattern, it can still obey all of the known Laws of Physics, but still may not have a repeatable outcome. (There is evidence that this may be the case, not the least of which, is the huge the diversity of exo-environments staring us square in the face).
It will all change once a single instance of exo-life is found, mind you.
It is also world of pain to argue this contrary view. The idea I mention above, is really a conclusion I have come to myself and I don’t think I’ve ever seen it presented anywhere. I doubt we’ll see this view in ‘Wonders of the Solar System’. Until I meet someone who fully understands Complexity/Chaos, I’m not sure it is likely to gain any acceptance anywhere, except amongst the ‘crank fringe’ elements of society. Which is a pity, because as far as I can see, it is just as valid as the other side of the coin.
In the meantime, what I can say, is that if one keeps an open mind, one ends up seeing a lot more in science, than with a closed mind. The trick is knowing when to keep it open ... and when to close it (a little). Don’t ask me how to keep it all in balance ... I think it has to do with knowledge and the only way to acquire it, is to soak it all up .. and keep opinions separated from the reality.
Cheers