Originally posted by AquaShrimp
Whats wrong with using examples from Earth?
We know how the atoms go together, we know what molecules and macromolecules make up organisms capable of life.
If you believe in evolution (like I do), then life on other planets probably evolved like life on Earth. We're still playing by the same rules, just on another planet.
The aliens could either use logic or emotion when contacting earth. Logic would have them utilizing Earth for its resources. Emotion (if they even have any) may cause them to be peaceful and empathetic.
So they could see us as a : Threat, a resource, or as simple animals.
Ok, well, if you're gonna say that my arguement is invalid because you insist that Earth Biology is the only player on the table then I guess this will remain a narrow discussion.
Your original post didn't make clear that you had the right to change the rules as we go along to maintain that your position remains the only correct answer. I think your position is weak, and I think you are making assertions about evolution on other worlds that you most certainly cannot prove.
My argument is simply that none of us really knows (that means me too). But I can't believe you can believe in life on other planets, but you still insist that only humanoid life could be spacefaring. I hope you understand that this clearly indicates your understanding of spacefaring biology proves you to be a big StarTrek fan, but not really very imaginative.
If you believe in evolution (like I do), then life on other planets probably evolved like life on Earth. We're still playing by the same rules, just on another planet.
You may believe in evolution, but if you read the real workings of the theory you'd understand that there is NO reason to assume that life would arise on another world the same as it did on Earth... For that matter, there is no reason to assume that if you cleared Earth off and started the process from a blank slate it would do the same thing again... It most certainly would not.
I think my position stands, I understand that you can not accept it. But cold hard logic says that applying the 'earth' rules of biology to the rest of the universe is absurd.
The more this discussion fails to progress because you keep dragging us back to Earth, the more I am starting to think you are one of those guys who thinks Infinity is a number.
