To the Editor:In 1960, an astronomer proposed a mathematical model for determining whether extraterrestrial life exis...
Kimberlydo4413March 31, 2018
Please Explain C further
I read the previous posts on C and still am not sure why it is correct. If we don't have the proper equipment to prove that life exists outside Earth, isn't it possible that life outside earth does not exist? And could it be equally possible that it could exist? Both possibilities could be true since we don't have solid proof yet?
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I agree with the post from 03/31. Can someone please explain?
RaviDecember 28, 2018
@JCarter,
Happy to help.
In the stimulus, we're given information about an astronomer's proposed mathematical model (from 1960) for determining whether extraterrestrial life exists. The model was based on assumptions that life as we know it could exist only on a planet and that many stars are, like our Sun, orbited by planets. The astronomer's model predicted that there are are many as one million extraterrestrial civilizations across all solar systems.
However, Clay notes that astronomers to date have not detected even one planet outside of our solar system. He concludes that the astronomer's model is wrong, and life as we know it exists only on the planet Earth.
The question stem asks us to identify an answer choice that, if accepted by Clay, would require him to reconsider his conclusion.
Answer A is incorrect because it mentions forms of life "other than life as we know it." The argument in the stimulus is dealing with finding "life as we know it." Life as we know it and life other than life as we know it are two completely different things, where the former could mean human beings, while the latter could be referring to ancient microbial organisms. If this were true, Clay would not have to reconsider his conclusion.
Answer B is incorrect because if it were true, it would only strengthen the notion that life as we know it exists only on planet Earth and that the astronomer's model is wrong.
Answer C is correct because it leaves open the possibility that life as we know it could be outside of our solar system, and we simply don't have the instruments needed to detect it. This casts doubt on Clay's conclusion that the astronomer's model is wrong and that life as we know it exists only on planet Earth. If C is true, then it leaves open the possibility that the astronomer's model is right and that there is life as we know it outside of our solar system.
Answer D is incorrect because it does not go into detail regarding whether or not the specific assumptions made in the argument in the stimulus are warranted, so it doesn't affect the argument. It neither strengthens nor weakens Clay's conclusion.
Answer E is incorrect because it fails to address the failure of astronomers on Earth to find life as we know it outside of our solar system. The 1960 astronomer's model does not rely on extraterrestrials communicating with Earth; what it depends on are scientists on Earth finding life as we know it on other planets outside our solar system. Even if we accept E as true, it would not be relevant to the argument about the astronomer's mathematical model being incorrect.
Does this make sense? Let us know if you have more questions!
