Literature Review #2

Visual: 

Summary:

The article illustrates the few behaviors that the extraterrestrials would possibly play on humankind and the potential actions of human beings to encounter the risks or dangers we would face in the future. Tough made specific proposals, some based on evidence or earlier incidents, on the human's instant protection on advanced extraterrestrials' invisible actions, the possible methods of communication and help towards extraterrestrials' radio messages, and the preparations of interaction with extraterrestrials. Tough concludes that gaining major insights through thoughtful, disciplined inquiry into such questions could alter humankind's current priorities. 

Citation:

Tough, Allen (1986). "What Role will Extraterrestrials Play in Humanity's Future?" (PDF). Journal of the British Interplanetary Society. 39 (11): 491–498.

Author:

Allen Tough was a Canadian educator and researcher. Widely known as a futurist, scientist, and author, Tough was Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto and also the founder and chief scientist of Invitation of ETI, an informal group of approximately 100 scientists, artists, and futurists from around Planet Earth have issued this invitation in hopes of establishing a constructive dialogue between humanity and our cosmic companions. He made major contributions to the fields of Adult Education, Futures Studies, and SETI. Linking these fields together was Tough's concern with the long-term future of humanity in the cosmos, and humankind's search for meaning and purpose on personal, societal, and global levels.

Key terms:

Informed Consent: listen and accept the offer that extraterrestrials possibly give us, and we can try to negotiate and make modifications to reduce the risks or danger.

Instant Protection: in Tough's words that extraterrestrials who monitor us would provide instant protection for humankind to avoid ultimate catastrophe. (ummmm)

Quotes:

"Probably the cardinal principle guiding extraterrestrial behavior toward all other civilizations is this: avoid unnecessary harm and interference. Do not hurt any other civilizations, nor hinder their development. Avoid exploitation and other interactions in which their losses outweigh their benefits." (493)

"If we have never seen nor heard from any other civilizations, despite their capacity to send us radio messages and to colonize our Solar System with spacecraft or self-replicating probes, then they probably do not exist." (496) (counter argument)

"Efforts to detect any other evidence on Earth of recent extraterrestrial monitoring, presence, or measure for instant protection are also rated "HIGH" in the priorities list." (498)

Value:

The article provides me a number of hypothesizes that dealt with possible risks and dangers on the extraterrestrials that we have no clue about nor the evidence to prove their motivations and capacities on humanity. These long-term strategies would help me to examine whether the contact with Alien civilization would be a wise choice for human beings.