Generalizing from a Single Example: Many Would Argue That Our

question 15

Essay

Generalizing from a Single Example: Many would argue that our concept of life and intelligence is severely limited by the fact that we have only the "single example" of the Earth. Do you agree with this view (address the questions of life and intelligence separately)? To what extent do you feel that the search for extraterrestrial life is biased by the example of life on the Earth? Does the search for extraterrestrial intelligent life suffer more or less from the same bias?

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Definitions:

Prosocial Behaviors

Voluntary actions intended to benefit or help others, motivated by empathy, moral principles, or the desire to act in socially acceptable ways.

Biological Sex

The physical characteristics, such as chromosomes, hormone levels, and reproductive/sexual anatomy, that classify an individual as male or female.

Observational Learning

A learning process through which individuals acquire new behaviors, skills, or attitudes by watching others, also known as social learning.

Novel Gestures

New or unique movements used to communicate intentions, emotions, or information.