[JoeSchem]

Take a look at the Drake equation. Base on the laws of probability alone, gives us a way of predicting if life is out there.

Every variable in the Drake equation is an assumption. The laws of probability only come into play when you multiply the variables together, and that doesn't change the danger of the Garbage In/Garbage Out.

[RadioAstronomer]

I do not disagree with you completely. :) However, the more we look, the more we find that the conditions and the building blocks for life exist elswhere.