PBS Space Time Season 2016 Episode 38 Are We Alone? Galactic Civilization Challenge

In this episode of PBS Space Time, titled "Are We Alone? Galactic Civilization Challenge," the team explores the possibility of extraterrestrial life and the challenges that come with trying to find it. The episode delves into the intricacies of the Drake equation, a formula used to estimate the number of technological civilizations that may exist in the Milky Way galaxy, and whether or not we should expect to find them.

The episode touches on the Fermi paradox, which asks why, if extraterrestrial life is so probable, we haven't seen any evidence of it yet. As the team discusses, there are a few different answers to this paradox, ranging from the possibility that intelligent life tends to wipe itself out before being able to make contact with other species, to the simply limited scope of our search so far.

The episode then turns to the idea of a possible solution to the Fermi paradox: a galactic civilization that has learned to work together and share resources in a way that allows them to thrive indefinitely. This concept is explored through the lens of game theory, which describes how groups of individuals can best work together to reach a common goal.

The team uses the Prisoner's Dilemma, a classic game theory puzzle, to illustrate the challenges that come with creating a cooperative society. In the Prisoner's Dilemma, two criminals are given the option to either cooperate or betray each other in exchange for a reduced sentence. However, if they both betray each other, they receive a harsher punishment than if they had both cooperated. The team uses this scenario to explore how trust and cooperation are essential to the success of a cooperative society -- and how one member's betrayal can jeopardize the entire group's survival.

As the episode wraps up, the team discusses the potential future of our search for extraterrestrial life and the need for cooperation in order to truly succeed in this endeavor. While the challenges of creating a galactic civilization may be daunting, the episode offers a hopeful outlook on the possibility of cooperation and discovery beyond our planet.

Overall, "Are We Alone? Galactic Civilization Challenge" offers a fascinating exploration of the search for extraterrestrial life and the potential of a cooperative, galactic civilization. Through the use of game theory, classic puzzles, and expert analysis, the episode dives deep into the intricacies of this complex topic and offers a thought-provoking perspective on what it may take to find and connect with other intelligent species in the universe.