Actual Infinities

[robvalue]

Lol good point!

Muslims seem to think that prayers will curve around the Earth towards Mecca, rather than going off into space at a tangent. That came up before

If you're exactly at the opposite end of the earth, do you have free choice of orientation?

I guess you do! The mathematically correct position would be a handstand though.

I'm amazed at the flat earth model still implicit in the ritual. I mean, if the prayers are going to just home in and zig zag all over the shop, why face any direction?

[houseofcantor]

Extraterrestrial beings do exist. The probability that we are alone in the universe(s) is basically zero. For this to be the only planet with life in the entire universe(s) is so ridiculous it would also make it seem as though we had been put here.

I'm willing to wager that the probability that this is the only planet with life is pretty much 0. Like so close to zero it's basically zero.

Based on what? 1. We have no idea how life got started. 2. We have no idea what a definition of life might include elsewhere. 3. The parameters that allow for life on earth, of which we are aware, are extraordinarily tenuous. There's something like over 250 conditions that have to be present, some within a very, very narrow window. I think it would be less shocking to discover that we are alone and that we got almost miraculously lucky than it would be to learn that our universe is particularly and peculiarly fertile for the emergence of potentially sentient or intelligent beings.

That sounds like a bunch of fine-tuning nonsense. Life is as simple as geometry, actually; and despite the claims of the Creationists, probably driven by entropy. As for intelligent life, it seems the only chance that we are alone is that if we're first. 

[Mudhammam]

That sounds like a bunch of fine-tuning nonsense. Life is as simple as geometry, actually; and despite the claims of the Creationists, probably driven by entropy. As for intelligent life, it seems the only chance that we are alone is that if we're first. 

There is a fairly broad consensus that are our universe is fine-tuned for the environment and building blocks required for life. There are various explanations as to why it has these specific characteristics, which if tinkered with ever so slightly, would have made life as we know it impossible. Make of that as you will. My only point about the near guarantee of life existing elsewhere is that any such assertion is purely speculative.

[houseofcantor]

Make of that as you will. My only point about the near guarantee of life existing elsewhere is that any such assertion is purely speculative.

Can't really argue with that.

[Edwardo Piet]

What is in doubt though is whether we'll ever find another intelligent species and whether we can ever achieve travel freely among the stars.

Absolutely. And I agree with your entire post, kudos. I also think that it is extremely probable that there are many lifeforms out there that are also more intelligent and advanced than us. I just think that the sheer distance in space between us and them may be impossible to traverse even for the most advanced and most intelligent lifeform of all.

It really is about how fucking vast the universe is, for us to be alone in the universe would be ABSURD! Yes, absurd enough to warrant me using an exclamation mark, capslock, bold, italics and underline

[houseofcantor]

What is in doubt though is whether we'll ever find another intelligent species and whether we can ever achieve travel freely among the stars.

Absolutely. And I agree with your entire post, kudos. I also think that it is extremely probable that there are many lifeforms out there that are also more intelligent and advanced than us. I just think that the sheer distance in space between us and them may be impossible to traverse even for the most advanced and most intelligent lifeform of all.

It really is about how fucking vast the universe is, for us to be alone in the universe would be ABSURD! Yes, absurd enough to warrant me using an exclamation mark, capslock, bold, italics and underline

Is that a willful expression? 

While being the first is statistically unsatisfying, there are reasons to consider that such may be the case.

[Edwardo Piet]

Nah I'd say it's extremely improbable that we are alone in the universe, for reasons given.

If you were to claim "We are alone in the universe!" I would think that as more likely to be a willful expression. Wanting to be the center again, we humans are egotistical fucks like that

[robvalue]

We may well be alone in the universe for most practical purposes.

But who knows when an amazing alien race is going to open a stargate on our front door?

Since they've probably scouted us out first, the answer is never. They want special things that we can't offer! Super sparkly things.

[I_am_not_mafia]

Lol good point!

Muslims seem to think that prayers will curve around the Earth towards Mecca, rather than going off into space at a tangent. That came up before

If you're exactly at the opposite end of the earth, do you have free choice of orientation?

And what if you are at the north pole and every direction is south? How would you know where to face?

[Angrboda]

I just googled "practical tips on which direction to pray". I was horrified by the result, but no good answer to the original question.