Douglas Vakoch
Psychologist focusing on the cultural impact of E.T. and communication with extraterrestrial life.
Best podcasts with Douglas Vakoch
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Aug 17, 2024 • 1h 4min
The Promise and Perils of Contacting Extraterrestrials
Yascha Mounk, a political theory expert, and Douglas Vakoch, an astrobiologist and president of METI International, dive into the ethics of reaching out to extraterrestrial intelligence. They explore the implications of contact and the historical parallels of exploration and exploitation. The duo debates the risks of communicating with advanced civilizations, drawing caution from human history. They also discuss the scientific quests like the Drake Equation and Fermi Paradox, emphasizing the moral complexities of whether we should signal our existence to the cosmos.
Nov 6, 2024 • 27min
Would Intelligent Aliens Undermine God?
Join Steven Dick, NASA's chief historian, as he uncovers the historical views on extraterrestrial life. Award-winning scientist Russell Stannard shares his belief that intelligent aliens align with a divine plan. Cosmologist Paul Davies argues that the universe has deeper significance, while philosopher Robin Collins suggests that aliens could exemplify God's creativity. Psychologist Douglas Vakoch explores how cultural perceptions of E.T. challenge our understanding of faith and humanity's place in an evolving cosmos.
