Into the Impossible With Brian Keating

How to Talk to Aliens (ft. Daniel Whiteson)

7 snips
Nov 7, 2025
Guest
Daniel Whiteson
In this engaging discussion, particle physicist and science communicator Daniel Whiteson explores whether aliens could communicate through physics. He provocatively questions if we would even recognize their language, which could derive from billions of years of advanced thought. The conversation delves into the Drake Equation, the potential role of AI as a form of intelligence we might encounter, and how different sensory perceptions could lead to varying interpretations of the universe. Additionally, Daniel reflects on using art to make complex ideas accessible.
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Physics As Map, Not Necessarily Territory

  • Physics may not be a universal language aliens use to explain reality to us.
  • Whiteson questions whether our formulations are the territory or just our map.
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Context Beats Symbols For Decoding

  • Decoding an alien message without shared context is probably impossible.
  • Whiteson argues a physical visit provides crucial shared context to map symbols to meaning.
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Failed Early Attempts To Signal Aliens

  • Von Littraue burned equations in the Sahara hoping Martians would notice.
  • Whiteson showed the Pioneer plaque to grad students and they couldn't decode its meaning.
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