Document Type : Commentary

Authors

• Seyed Mohammad Javad Mortazavi ¹
• Joseph John Bevelacqua ²
• Seyed Alireza Mortazavi ³
• Payman Rafiepour ⁴
• James S Welsh ^{5, 6}

¹ Department of Medical Physics and Engineering, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

² Bevelacqua Resources, Richland, Washington 99352, United States

³ Amirolmomenin Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

⁴ Department of Nuclear Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

⁵ Department of Radiation Oncology Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital Hines, Illinois, United States

⁶ Department of Radiation Oncology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University, Chicago, IL, United States

Abstract

The search for extraterrestrial intelligence is a fascinating and important endeavor, but it raises significant ethical and safety concerns. In the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, scientists use knowledge of physics to identify potential communication methods and signals that may be used by extraterrestrial civilizations. One of the most notable scientists to highlight these concerns was the late physicist Stephen Hawking, who cautioned that actively attempting to communicate with extraterrestrial civilizations could harm humanity. While it is true that we cannot predict the intentions of any potential extraterrestrial civilizations, some scientists argue that the potential advantages of seeking contact outweigh the potential risks. Deciding to initiate contact with extraterrestrial civilizations is a complex issue that requires balancing scientific curiosity with concerns for our own safety. The “Intelligence Trap” is a concept in psychology that suggests that highly intelligent people are more susceptible to cognitive biases and flawed thinking than less intelligent people. It can be argued that Hawking’s warnings may be an example of the so-called intelligence trap, as some evidence from the field of physics suggests. Nonetheless, Hawking emphasized that it is crucial for scientists and policymakers to carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits of such efforts and proceed with caution. 

Keywords

• Intelligence Trap
• Stephen Hawking
• Space
• Solar System
• Planets
• Exobiology
• Aliens
• Fermi’s Paradox