Aliens: The World's Leading Scientists on the Search for Extraterrestrial Life

By Jim Al-Khalili

In these lively and fascinating essays edited by theoretical physicist Jim Al-Khalili, scientists from around the world weigh in on the latest advances in the search for intelligent life in the universe and discuss just what that might look like.

Since 2000, science has seen a surge in data and interest on several fronts related to E.T. (extraterrestrials); A.I. (artificial intelligence); and SETI (search for extraterrestrial intelligence). The debate has intensified over whether life exists outside our solar system, what that life would look like, and whether we’ll ever make contact.

Included here are essays from a broad spectrum of the scientific community: cosmologists, astrophysicists, NASA planetary scientists, and geneticists, to name just a few, discussing the latest research and theories relating to alien life. Some of the topics include: If life exists somewhere in space, what are the odds that it evolves into something we would recognize as intelligent? What will space travel look like in the future, and will it all be done by cyborg technology? How long until we are ruled by robot overlords? (This is actually a serious consideration.) Are we simply a simulation in the mind of some supreme being, acting out a virtual reality game?

For those who have ever wondered, Is there anybody out there? here are the latest theories and evidence that move us closer to answering that question.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: May 9, 2017
• ISBN: 9781250109651

Reviews for Aliens

[ken5me5old5mate · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

If you've ever heard that saying "just because you are qualified to talk about a subject doesn't mean that you should".? well, this book is a good example of that.

Where do I start? The title is misleading for a start, or maybe not, it says "The Truth Is In Here" and it is, simply put we know squat about aliens and here you have a collection of essays saying just that over and over again. There is some science in here but I think it will go over the heads of the intended audience, myself included.

There is one section that touches on "Are Octopuses conscious?". If you have ever read about what octopuses get up to when in captivity it soon becomes obvious that they are quite often smarter than their captors. The only comparison you could make when discussing the consciousness (or lack of it) is between them and us. The problem with that is there are a quite a few humans I can think of who don't fare too well in that comparison either. It also brings in the idea that octopuses do not have to dissect everything or destroy ther environment to understand their world, something that us, the smarter crowd, seem hell bent on doing and yet here they are marked down when compared to us.

Some of the chapters are simply authors putting up a straw man then tearing it down. There is also, dare I say it a smatter of that arrogance about the scientific method and it being the only way to look at things. Don't misunderstand me, I would not be here writing this without modern science as applied to medicine. But just because you know where your bread is buttered doesn't mean you cannot question how the bread is made.

If this book had been tackled by say, a philosopher, a cleric, a psychic, an anthropologist, an artist, a linguist, and so on instead of only a bunch of scientists, it probably would have been a better read and you may have learned more from that than you will with this book.

I remember a comment from way back when the SETI project started that said that it was plainly an example of electro-magnetic chauvinism, that comment still stands. The search of extraterrestrial life does seem to be predicated on looking for creatures like ourselves with similar technology.

All up a meh experience.

[aadyer · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A superb collection of excellent essays from premier scientists in the developing field of astrobiology, psychology, astronomy and astrophysics on the development of extra terrestrial life. In turn, fascinating, and page turning, this'll make you think of aliens and the universe like nothing before. Addictive and compelling, it makes a good introduction to the subject for the general reader too. Highly recommended.

[bemislibrary · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This scientific discussion begins with humankind being the aliens visiting other planets to ending with others visiting earth. Essays included look at cultural aspects from entertainment to science fiction and scientific aspects from artificial intelligence, biology, and astronomical distance. Reader will not find a definitive answer on whether aliens exist, but will find rational arguments to support each theory presented. If used as a book club selection, the material would be great fodder for discussion on several levels. Minimal footnotes, further readings, a must-watch alien film list, and brief contributor biographies are included.