Philosophical and Scientific Implications of Astrobiology and Palaeontology in the Light of Hypothesising the Existence of Intelligent Pre-human Civilisations on Earth: Empiricist, Rationalist, and Positivist Approaches
Resumen
In this paper, the scientific and philosophical implications of the theory that suggests the existence of an intelligent civilisation on Earth prior to mankind is discussed. All available scientific evidence which would constrain such theory is brought into discussion. Therefore, we first review the Drake Equation regarding this hypothesis. We summarily appraise the Shadow Biosphere within the scope of the theory. Subsequently, we thoroughly analyse important geochemical and sedimentological constraints of the proposal, mainly in the context of some Fossillagerstätten. This leads us to discuss the philosophical implications this theory may have for the fields of Astrobiology and Palaeontology, analysing them under empiricist, rationalist, and positivist approaches. We contextually examine the concepts of technological species, intelligence, and industrialisation, taking into account the scope of the theory. Furthermore, we debate on the validity of this hypothesis, considering all constraints it presents regarding the analysed concepts. Finally, we propose to appraise the hypothesis under an epistemological/positivist point of view.
Palabras clave
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Paleontología Mexicana, Vol. 13, núm. 1, 15 de enero de 2024, es una publicación semestral (enero y julio) editada por la Unidad Editorial del Instituto de Geología de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Delegación Coyoacán, C.P. 04510, México, CDMX. El editor en jefe es el Dr. Josep Anton Moreno Bedmar, CE josepamb@geologia.unam.mx y la editora técnica es la Mtra. Sandra Ramos, sandraram@geologia.unam.mx. Reserva de derechos al uso exclusivo No. 04-2022-072810185500-102, ISSN (revista impresa): 0185-478X, e-ISSN (versión electrónica): 2007-5189, ISSN-L: 0543-7652. http://www.ojs-igl.unam.mx/index.php/Paleontologia/index. https://twitter.com/paleontologiam Fecha de la última modificación, 15 de junio de 2023.
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