Science and the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis in Ufology

Swords, M. D. (College of General Studies, Science, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA): Journal of UFO Studies, New Series 1, 1989, pp. 67-102 © 1989 J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies < NICAP, July 2007

The literature relating to extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI) is surveyed to provide a basis for judging the extraterrestrial hypothesis to be an acceptable alternative concept for use in analyzing UFO phenomena. Other common issues facing ufology, ranging from the general argument about its scientificness to concerns about specific and puzzling characteristics of some reports are addressed.

• Introductory Remarks and the Growing Interest in ETI
• The Galaxy and the Stars-That-Are-Suns
• Planets
• Earths
• The Right Stuff in the Right Combinations
• Bio-Advance
• Summary of the Drake Debate
• The Question of Appearance
• Travel and Behavior
• Ufology and Science
• Summary