Should We Search for Extraterrestrial Life?
Open to Debate9 Sep 2022

Should We Search for Extraterrestrial Life?

For decades, scientists around the world have dedicated their lives — and research dollars — to one question: Is there anyone else out there? In the early 1970s, NASA joined the hunt with its own program to search for extraterrestrial life, or SETI for short. When that was defunded by Congress, private efforts took hold. But just what have decades of SETI brought us? And how should we approach the search in those to come? For SETI’s supporters, finding other intelligent life in the cosmos is a fundamentally human endeavor. It probes our understanding of the cosmos, what it means to live and survive on Earth and beyond, and just where our species fits into the greater universe. But others warn that SETI is a distraction from other scientific endeavors that, at best, diverts critical resources and, at worst, will open a can of worms humanity isn’t ready to deal with. Just what would happen if we actually find other beings? Are we mature enough as a society to respond? In this episode, we ask the essential extraterrestrial question: to search or not to search? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Episoder(456)

Think Twice About War, Tech, & Dirty Supply Chains: The Elements of Power with Nicolas Niarchos

Think Twice About War, Tech, & Dirty Supply Chains: The Elements of Power with Nicolas Niarchos

Your smartphone feels sleek and futuristic—but the supply chain behind it is anything but. In this conversation with moderator-in-chief John Donvan, journalist and “The Elements of Power” author Nicol...

20 Feb 53min

Could Dating an AI Be Better Than Dating a Human?

Could Dating an AI Be Better Than Dating a Human?

Love in the time of AI? Some people seeking romance or friendship are turning to AI chatbots to fulfill those desires, but could they surpass traditional human relationships? Those who say they can ar...

13 Feb 53min

Is U.S. Control of Limited Territory in Greenland A Strategic Necessity?

Is U.S. Control of Limited Territory in Greenland A Strategic Necessity?

Greenland has become a geopolitical flashpoint. President Trump wants control of it, or at least sovereignty over some areas for military purposes, arguing that the United States gaining some territor...

6 Feb 53min

Legalize Assisted Suicide?

Legalize Assisted Suicide?

In December of 2025, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced that after months of negotiations with the state legislature, she was finally ready to sign into law a new bill allowing some patien...

30 Jan 53min

Innovation or Intrusion: The Big Data Debate

Innovation or Intrusion: The Big Data Debate

Every click, search, and online purchase feeds the data economy, driving AI, global business, and even political campaigns. But with risks growing in the private and public spheres, is Big Data advanc...

23 Jan 53min

Is It OK to Pay for Sex?

Is It OK to Pay for Sex?

Prostitution remains heavily stigmatized and legally complex globally. Those in favor of paying for sex and support decriminalization argue that it’s a profession that deserves as much respect as any ...

16 Jan 53min

Does AA Work?

Does AA Work?

Millions of people have credited Alcoholics Anonymous with helping them stay sober from alcohol, but is it the best path for everyone? Those who say “yes” argue it is easily accessible to all and that...

9 Jan 53min

Has Feminism Hurt Women?

Has Feminism Hurt Women?

From the 19th Amendment to the #MeToo movement, the feminist movement has profoundly reshaped society. But have its good intentions backfired? Those arguing it hasn’t note that it’s allowed women the ...

2 Jan 53min

Populært innen Politikk og nyheter

giver-og-gjengen-vg
aftenpodden
aftenpodden-usa
popradet
stopp-verden
forklart
det-store-bildet
lydartikler-fra-aftenposten
rss-ness
rss-gukild-johaug
fotballpodden-2
dine-penger-pengeradet
hanna-de-heldige
aftenbla-bla
nokon-ma-ga
rss-dannet-uten-piano
rss-penger-polser-og-politikk
rss-utenrikskomiteen-med-bogen-og-grasvik
e24-podden
bt-dokumentar-2