Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by jeff herman on May 3, 2012 at 4:48pm

The larger question is, why would we communicate with each other? I don't think I'd have anything to say. I'd be polite by asking nothing. I'd show them my kitchen in case they're hungry or thirsty, and perhaps show them some articles on the computer about how toxic human bodies are, in case they get any unfortunate ideas. 

Permalink Reply by Robert Mario Wright on May 3, 2012 at 5:16pm

Why? Human curiosity. If no other reason but the constant quest we have as a species to know. 

Permalink Reply by jeff herman on May 7, 2012 at 4:36pm

Maybe I'm underestimating myself, but I think the first thing I'd want to know is where to run. 

Permalink Reply by Nigel Slater on May 5, 2012 at 6:15am

If ETs were even close to humanoid then I am sure we would find a way. Maths will certainly be universal across the Universe

Permalink Reply by Mark Anthony Tierno on May 15, 2012 at 2:49pm

First, while math would be universal, the symbology that we use to express it would not. As such, any communication involving mathematics would have to be independent of such things as a plus or minus sign.

The other matter is this. For an alien civilization several light years removed, if they are primitive enough to still use radio then they would probably not bother to communicate that way as the lag time would be incredible impractical. On the other hand, if they are advanced enough to know such things as how to break the light barrier, then they would not be using radio or any light-based communication, but something which we do not yet have the science to receive and interpret.
The best hope would be to assume that such advanced cultures would just have journeyed here in person to observe our primitive and immature little civilization. Communication then amounts to sending up a red flag of some sorts asking them to come on over for a BBQ or something.

Permalink Reply by jeff herman on May 17, 2012 at 11:31am

Here's a wild theory: They simply don't communicate with others, for the simple reason that they are suspended in a nano second of Earth time but an infinity in their time. They are programmed to do everything that they do, and communication outside their reality has no purpose. Can we communicate with ants? Interference doesn't count as communication.