 |  |  |
| 0:00 | -50:50 |
Today on the pod, it’s a guest for whom David has been waiting for—Avi Loeb, an astrophysics professor at Harvard University who thinks it might just be possible that aliens have visited earth. Loeb talks about his research into Oumuamua, the first known interstellar object that’s passed through our Solar System, and gives his thoughts on the recently released UFO report from the Office of National Intelligence. Loeb also tells David and Sarah about his scientific philosophy—how science is like a fishing expedition where you throw out a hook and see what happens.
Show Notes:
-Avi Loeb’s book Extraterrestrial: The First Sign of Intelligent Life Beyond Earth
-On Oumuamua by Avi Loeb
Haven't listened to the entire podcast yet, but I was struck by Loeb's remark that humans are not a species that cooperates and shares. This is exactly wrong. Compared to most species on this planet, we are highly cooperative and willing to share food and resources in a way that most animals do not. Yes if you want to talk about some mythical creature out there that fits some ideal of cooperation and sharing, we fall short. But in the real world of organisms living on this planet, we stand out as a highly cooperative species.
I can see why some in the scientific community are not that pleased with Loeb. Generally speaking, a lot of scientists aren't pleased with fellow scientists who get out beyond their skis based on evidence and then take their pet theory to the court of public opinion, as Loeb did when writing his book, instead of working it through with their fellow scientists. Doing so has obviously can have its rewards in attention and money, but I think many would see it as a bit of a cheat.
An analogy in the legal sphere is someone who comes up with a questionable legal theory that plays well with certain members of the public and becomes a public gadfly with all the fame and money that can come with it.
Now, I'm not saying Loeb is wrong or right in his theory. Nor am I saying that Oumuamua shouldn't be investigated with all options on the table. I'm just saying that I understand where his scientific detractors are coming from.