The Case Against SETI: Rare Earth
Abstract
A description of the Rare Earth argument of Ward and Brownlee against the existence of technological life elsewhere in the galaxy, including arguments about Galactic Habitability and the many proposed contingencies that led to technological life on Earth. Includes a discussion of the Hard Steps and Great Filter ideas. Discusses the uncertainties inherent in these arguments, and also the roles of convergent evolution and contingency in the tree of life, especially with respect to the evolution of intelligence and the neuron.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life
Earth Systems and Cosmic Evolution
Origins and Evolution of Life
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Institute of Physics eBooks
- Pages
- 7–1
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Document type
- Book chapter