Contact with alien civilizations : our hopes and fears about encountering extraterrestrials

Michaud, Michael A. G. (Author).

Record details

ISBN: 9780387285986 (bd. : acid-free paper)
ISBN: 0387285989 (bd. : acid-free paper)
Physical Description: print
xiii, 460 p. ; 24 cm.
Publisher: New York : Copernicus Books, c2007.

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:

Includes bibliographical references (p. 378-449) and index.

Formatted Contents Note:

A belief in other minds -- A new era -- Searching for intelligence -- Sending our own signals -- Probabilities -- Probabilities : the astronomical factors -- Probabilities : life -- Probabilities : intelligence -- Probabilities : civilization, technology, and science -- Probabilities : longevity -- The Drake equation, take two -- Should we continue the search? -- Direct contact -- The UFO controversy -- The Drake equation, take three -- Why don't we see them? -- Reformulating the problem -- Thinking outside the box -- SETI and religion -- The consequences of contact -- Hopes -- Fears -- Dangers -- Mixed emotions --Some assumptions examined -- Before contact -- Assumptions : after contact -- The Drake equation, take four -- What is missing -- Some conclusions drawn -- Paradigm shifts -- The human role -- Annex : preparing.