Debate 1. September 24 (Thursday)

Panel members:

Francisco De La O

Tabitha Tutor

Amanda Garcia

Patrick McKinley

Conrad Nelson

Your name here....

Send e-mail to rwalterb@nmsu.edu if you are interested in serving on the panel. You can also let me know during or after class.

Audience: come prepared with questions.

Topic:  The Age of the Earth, the Age of the Universe, and their Relevance to Life on Earth and life elsewhere in the Universe

The panel members may chose to approach this topic from a number of viewpoints. First, you don't have to address all three, you could just pick one. Second, you can approach this from a scientific point of view or from a more philosophical point of view.

A few comments to get you thinking: In general, our study of the subject of life in the Universe follows the scientific path, taking into account the knowledge we have obtained over the past centuries to make inferences about prospects for life elsewhere. For example, we may assume that it would take equally long on other planets to develop advanced life on earth as it did here, but what may be some of the reasons it took this long on earth, and would that necessarily be the case elsewhere too? To what extent is this approach justified and reasonable? Or do you find it too speculative or perhaps too limiting? How well do we know the ages of the earth and the universe? How are they relevant in our quest for life in the universe? Why would a very young earth be a problem? Could the earth be as old as the universe? Why would an infinitely old universe possibly be a problem? What are your thoughts on this issue?

Audience members will take part in the discussion by asking questions and advocating their views.

Instructor will moderate discussion and try to avoid the situation from running out of control.