Robert Micallef <[log in to unmask]> enquires:
>I'm curious what my
>fellow listers think about first contact. Should we assume that a civilization
>with advanced technology has also progressed ethically as well? In other
>words, will they be friendly? Or can we imagine that strong evolutionary
>condtions, say something akin to what goes on in our oceans, could shape
>a much more frightening civilization. That is, should we really be
>broadcasting our cosmic address?
My first thought was that there was no connection between possessing an
advanced technology and being ethically advanced. Knowing how to do lots
of things does not dictate what it is one wants to do. One might,
optimistically, argue that a culture which does not encourage individual
excellence, free and undeferential speech, etc etc, won't stay
technologically advanced for long. But it could also be argued that
cultures which e,g, permit grossly invasive experimentation will make
lots more technological advances. Maybe some forms of technological
achievement make humane attitudes that much *less* likely: see, for
random example, Poul Anderson's *After Doomsday*
My second thought was to doubt the whole notion of being `ethically
advanced' as a parallel to technological progress. `Advanced ideas' are
not necessarily the best ones as far as ethical merit goes, just the
trendiest. Technological progress is a matter of finding new things out,
ethical progress of applying the things we knew already: `what does the
Lord require of you but to do justly, and love mercy, and walk humbly
with your God?'
My third was to wonder about the connection that Rob draws between
being ethically advanced and being friendly (to us!). Maybe Galactic
Civilization is, ethically-speaking, thoroughly praise-worthy - and for
that very reason rather unfriendly to us! See John Varley's *The
Ophiuchi Hotline*, or any number of stories in which the Galactics find
us wanting, and prefer to save the dolphins.
My fourth was to wonder what stronger evolutionary pressures there
might be than right here. Cherryh's kif (in the Chanur sequence) are
supposed to come from a thoroughly violent place, but no reason is
offered for supposing that this is the best evolutionary strategy. There
was a short story by Barrington Bayley which trades on the idea that
different evolutionary histories will breed quite different,
unconscious, axiom sets. On that account, we - as mammals - are
programmed to think that curiosity is safe, and that the universe is -
basically - supportive. Other kinds have different ideas (but would they
evolve humanoid intelligence?).
So broadcasting our address is probably rather rash. Unfortunately,
we've already done it!
Another first contact story that people may like:
Michael Scott Rohan *Run to the Stars* (where contact proves very
unwise, because both sides are paranoid).
Thanks for the cue. Best wishes
Stephen Clark
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