In this episode, I circle back to the Fermi Paradox (“Where are all the aliens?”) and address the first proposed resolution. In 1975, astrophysicist (and white supremacist) Michael Hart framed the Fermi Paradox as we know it. As he defined it, there was a disparity between the assumed prevalence of life in the Universe and the dearth of evidence for it. Hart’s explanation: extraterrestrial intelligence doesn’t exist. This argument was articulated a few years later by astrophysicist Frank Tipler (NOT a white supremacist), who provided far more intelligent parameters.
While it is a simple and arguably oversimplified answer to a very serious question, the Conjecture does have some good points. Given the age of the Universe, the sheer number of stars, planets, and galaxies in the Universe, and the fact that the ingredients for life are in abundance everywhere, why is it that we don’t see evidence of advanced intelligence out there? There are many reasons, and the question begs further investigation.
Where to Listen:
Stories by Williams 
Personally, my favorite answer to the Fermi paradox is that we’re part of some sort of galactic nature preserve. I don’t have any good scientific reason to think that’s that case. I just really like the idea.
Ah yes, the Zoo/Planetarium Hypothesis! That will be the subject of a coming episode. I too like those scenarios because it’s exactly what I would do if I were some alien overlord!
Awesome! I look forward to hearing your take on it!