The truth is out there, and we’re going to get it.

The main assignment is to come prepared to discuss aliens. Specifically, we will frame the discussion around these questions:

• What probability do you assign to the existence of intelligent alien life existing or having existed somewhere beyond earth?
• What probability do you assign that aliens have directly visited earth themselves?
• What probability do you assigned that alien technology but not the aliens themselves have had physical contact with Earth?
• Based on these answers, would you say you “believe” in aliens?
• Do you believe in God, an intelligent, deliberate creator of our universe and existence?
• Are your belief positions on aliens and God based on reason or faith?
• Are your belief positions on aliens and God falsifiable beliefs?

For extra credit read the following articles:

• What’s up with the UFO’s? – Michael Huemer
• I still think it’s very unlikely we’re observing alien aircraft – Dynomight
• The UFO craze was created by government nepotism and incompetent journalism – Erik Hoel

For extra, extra credit listen to these podcasts:

• UFO Whistleblowers and Congress – The Political Orphanage
• Adam Frank — Aliens: Real and Imagined – The Michael Shermer Show
• Michael Shellenberger on UFO Whistleblowers – The Michael Shermer Show

Lastly, there are three additions to IFF (the last of which has Josh written all over it):

Gurwinder supplies two links:

1. First, he offers five heuristics that can help in decision making.
2. Second, he has 30 useful principles for us to consider and understand.

Although I don’t entirely agree with this at least in the conclusion/implications, I still find this post about tyranny of the marginal user very interesting.

Lots to cover. See you Friday!