The thing is, if life exists elsewhere then so should technology-using intelligences -- lots of technology-using intelligences. And we don't see 'em.
So that's a pretty good argument that Earth is unique. It wouldn't surprise me to be wrong on this, but the argument is there.
>The thing is, if life exists elsewhere then so should technology-using intelligences -- lots of technology-using intelligences. And we don't see 'em.
Do bacteria 'see' us?
> The thing is, if life exists elsewhere then so should technology-using intelligences -- lots of technology-using intelligences. And we don't see 'em.
Yes... because *lots* in a universe this big means *very* far away.
What makes you think we'd know about another humanlike species that's, say, a mere 1500 light years away?
Their might be some other limiting factor such that precludes technological development, but not intelligence. Their maybe some cultural or another hindrance we aren't taking into account.
The Idea that we and we alone or sole intelligence in the entire Universe seems to me to be an expression of utter hubris.
Maybe Einstein is right and there is no way to bend the rules and achieve faster than light travel, although I would not bet on it.
The Jews were God's chosen people, which did not limit the Creation to them or only allow them the spark of intelligence.
If there was one "intelligent" life form per major galaxy in the Universe, the nearest one would be 2 million light years away. That would make it somewhat difficult for them to look us up.
Plus, we don't know how long technically-advanced civilizations can survive. Others could have existed in our own galaxy and gone extinct before we learned how to make wheels.
What are the boundries you consider unique?