Ep 8: Robert J. Sawyer and Arik Kershenbaum - Part 2

The Science in The Fiction

This is the second half of the conversation begun in our last episode, between science fiction author Robert J. Sawyer and zoologist Arik Kershenbaum. We start with a quick re-cap on Boltzmann Brains and then spend quite a bit of time considering the problem of having a sample size of one, when it comes to the existence of life in the universe, as well as the existence of intelligent, technological alien life we hope to find on another planet some day. We also contemplate fungible atoms (!), confirmation bias, appropriate skepticism and learn what might constitute both an intelligent and an interesting message to aliens. Finally, Arik assures us that we need not worry about the dark forest, there is nothing to fear from our alien neighbours: they are not coming here to eat us.
Robert J. Sawyer:
Author Robert J. Sawyer: Hugo, Nebula, and Campbell Memorial Award-winning Science Fiction Writer (sfwriter.com)
Robert J. Sawyer - Wikipedia
Robert J. Sawyer (Author of Illegal Alien) (goodreads.com)
The Oppenheimer Alternative by Robert J. Sawyer | Goodreads
Science Fiction Writer Robert J. Sawyer: THE OPPENHEIMER ALTERNATIVE Index (sfwriter.com)
Arik Kershenbaum:

Arik Kershenbaum
Dr Arik Kershenbaum | Department of Zoology (cam.ac.uk)
What Your Dog Can Teach You About Aliens | Arik Kershenbaum | TEDxCambridgeUniversity - YouTube
The Zoologist's Guide to the Galaxy - Wikipedia
The Zoologist's Guide to the Galaxy: What Animals on Earth Reveal about Aliens – and Ourselves by Arik Kershenbaum | Goodreads

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