it is true that untestable theories may have heuristic value. Of course, extraterrestrials are a good way to teach science to kids. But that does not relieve us of the obligation to see the Drake equation clearly for what it is—pure speculation in quasi-scientific trappings ... there was a crack in the door, a loosening of the definition of what constituted legitimate scientific procedure. And soon enough, pernicious garbage began to squeeze through the cracks
Drake equation criticized as speculation dressed up as science
AISummary
Mike Knoop argues that the Drake equation is pure speculation in quasi-scientific trappings, though untestable theories can still have heuristic value. He warns that loosening standards of legitimate scientific procedure let pernicious garbage slip through. Elad Gil applies the same critique to some of today's extrapolations.
Post on XView on X
@mikeknoop
Applies to some of todays extrapolations as well https://www.statlit.org/pdf/2003-Crichton-Aliens-Cause-Global-Warming.pdfView quoted post on X
Source: Mike Knoop · x.comPublished · added here