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Originally Posted by willravel
You've illustrated my point exactly. Because we have no idea what life looks like, acts like, or requires elsewhere, it's absurd to try and create equations about extraterrestrial life. Imagine if I were to say, "Well, there is life on 1 out of 8 planets in our solar system, therefore every 1 out of 8 planets in the universe has life". That's how I see the Drake Equation. It's massively simplistic, assumes a great deal, and only has the tiny perspective of our little planet and solar system. It's like asking a 2 year old who just learned basic math (1+1=2) to explain advanced calculus.
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While the Drake equation is nothing but educated guess + assumptions = make believe number, it really doesn't matter. Based on the pervasiveness of life on Earth, its in ever nook and cranny, under great pressure, in high heat, deep in the rocks, locked in crystals etc, I'm willing to make the assumption that life is more common than uncommon if the conditions are favorable. In this the Drake Equation, while still make believe, can give a hint at the number of favorable planets to have life evolve. I'd say the only big question isn't is if there is life out there, but if there is intelligent life out there. I've seen nothing to show that intelligent life is more favorable to survival, and may be a hindrance. Many species on earth have been around unchanged for eons, when we get there, we can decide.