It’s a hard topic to discuss without an example. Let’s
consider the possibility of an extraterrestrial civilization reaching out to
humans to make First Contact. In a signal based communication scenario, the
most obvious questions would be: what do we do next? Do we send a message back?
What should that message say? The message the aliens send us would, of course,
be the primary factor driving our decision making process. For this example let’s
have the aliens simply say hello and ask- would you like to trade information
with us? Do we say hello back and beam out the contents of Wikipedia, as has
been suggested by some researchers, and let them sort out who we are? Or do we
send a simpler, targeted message?
The debate already rages in some circles. Recently the issue
was brought up at the American Association for the Advancement of Science
meeting in California. Even before a session on active SETI (sending a signal
to outer space) was held, some scientists spoke out against such actions. Those feelings of caution and concern are held by some
well-known researchers, including legendary astrophysicist Stephen Hawking.
Scientists, governmental leaders, diplomats and academics
will likely be leaders in determining actions to take in the wake of a First Contact
event. Hopefully, they will look to opinion polls to see how humans in various
locations across the globe feel about such responses. There will be fringe
elements vigorously espousing their views in public and in the media. Those
views will need to be considered, as well.
It has been suggested that a group of scientists and other
leaders might make such decisions on their own. I think that would be unwise.
Such important considerations deserve the global reach of a group such as the
United Nations.
The decisions made
are unlikely to make everyone happy. The final decisions could even go against
popular sentiment on the issue. Governmental leaders and others would probably
argue that decision making on a global scale cannot be decided by opinion
polls. In the end, hard decisions will need to be made. Humans will need to
accept this result and do so without violent or disruptive protest. We will have
to have faith in our institutions. This may be tough to swallow for some
humans. It could be especially tough for humans living in countries without
democratic-style representation. Would leaders of a totalitarian regime
consider opinion polls of their countrymen when deciding how their UN
representative should vote on a First Contact issue? It seems unlikely.
The entire process would be a considerable challenge,
because we have nothing to compare it to. Usually the United Nations operates relatively
quietly and out of the scrutiny of the popular media. Most of the publicly
noticed action seems to come in the Security Council. And First Contact issues
may start out there. However, it would be important for the larger issues to
reach the General Assembly for a vote, to ensure greater international
participation in the decisions.
There will be many differing opinions about First Contact,
along a spectrum that would include those opposed to a relationship with extraterrestrials,
to those actively encouraging such a relationship. Not everyone will be happy
with whatever is decided in terms of response. But the debate would be
important to the future of humanity. As long as many differing viewpoints are
considered, and most humans have some sort of representation in the process,
the results should help us move forward in a safe and positive and way.
What do you think? Give your opinion in a comment here or
visit the Alien First Contact Facebook page.
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