X-Message-Number: 11283
Date: Thu, 18 Feb 1999 11:10:01 +0100
From:  (John de Rivaz)
Subject: Re: A possible solution to Fermi's paradox.

In article: <> <> 
writes:
(del)
> And that is, I believe, a possible answer to 'where everybody is.' 
> Computerization expands space, which allows civilizations to expand 
> inwards in their own solar systems, rather than outwards in the galaxy.

This would not be an intelligent thing to do. If all of humanity uploaded 
itself into computers, who would run the power stations, who would maintain 
the hardware?

Alright, extrapolate this into a situation where the computers are all 
minute and use solar power, Maxwell's Demon or whatever for an energy source 
- who would arrange for their migration away from the solar system when it 
ceases to be capable of supporting life? Would people living in such a 
simulation even know that their substrate was due to fail until it did? 
Gievn the proposed increases in intelligence and thinking power, surely 
these matters would receive consideration.

Also, a lot of people are motivated to explore the universe. This week's New 
Scientist contains details of plans to build a 100 metre optical telescope 
to see details of other stars' surfaces, further back in time etc. Yes, it 
relies on "just over the horizon" advances in computers and so on, but it is 
situated in reality and its results not be simulated in virtual reality.

-- 
Sincerely,     * Longevity Report:  http://www.longevb.demon.co.uk/lr.htm
John de Rivaz  * Fractal Report:    http://www.longevb.demon.co.uk/fr.htm
**************** Homepage:http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/JohndeR
    In the information age, sharing can increase world wealth enormously,
        because giving information does not decrease your information.

Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=11283