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G e n e r a l A r t i c l e e c a p Universal Cognitive Maps s and the Search for Intelligent Life in the Universe
a b s t r a c t
Guillermo A. Lemarchand For almost 50 years the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence and Jon Lomberg (SETI) research program was pursued under the hypothesis of the universality of the physi- cal laws in the cosmos. The authors call attention to some epistemological issues that make it necessary to seek other aesthetic, spiritual and ethical he aim of the present essay is to call the at- introduce to a broad interdisciplin- “cognitive universals.” They T propose the participation of a tention of scholars to the need for a systematic exploration ary academic community. of cognitive universals that might be used to develop new strat- SETI researchers believe that the broader community of scholars egies for the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) from natural, social, artistic and basic principles of our science and humanistic disciplines to explore research programs and eventually to seek for new ways to de- the science of extraterrestrial beings all the possible “universal cogni- sign schemes for communication among hypothetical galactic should be fundamentally the same, tive maps” that eventually might civilizations. We think that this work should be focused on and we should be able to communi- favor the detection of extrater- four types of cognitive universals: (a) physical-technological, cate with ETIL by referring to those restrial intelligent life. (b) aesthetic, (c) ethical and (d) spiritual. All previous SETI things we share in common: the observational projects have been designed taking into account principles of mathematics, physics, only the assumed universality of the laws of nature, along with chemistry and so on [2--4]. some technological considerations. Our working hypothesis The latter statement assumes that there is only one way to assumes that one way to improve the odds of finding extrater- perceive and understand the laws of nature and that, because restrial intelligent life (ETIL) is by making conjectures about of that, the language of science and mathematics must be uni- the methodology needed to transform human cognitive maps versal. At this point we may call attention to some other episte- into cognitive universals. mological considerations. Kuhn [5] envisioned the possibility We introduce the term cognitive map to define more accu- of situations in which two theoretical conceptions are so differ- rately the conceptualization taken from the epistemology of ent that, because of the irremediable paradigm dependence science known as a paradigm or worldview [1]. Here we con- of observations and other methodological features of science, ceive a cognitive map as the process by which “intelligence” there is no rational method acceptable to defenders of each makes representations of its environment in its own processing conception that could serve to ground the resolution of the system (in our case the human brain). dispute between them. In such situations, the two traditions Features of the physical environment are only one of the sig- are said to be incommensurable. nificant parts of human cognitive maps. We live in an environ- The question here is whether the standards of evidence, ment where other people act and where information linguistic interpretation and understanding dictated by the terrestrial in nature (signs, orders, instructions, descriptions, etc.) oper- “cognitive map” on the one hand and by the ETIL’s “cognitive ates. Therefore, our cognitive maps must represent objects, map” on the other are so different that a “mutual understand- living beings and their behavior, linguistic abstractions and ing” (communication) between them cannot be interpreted as perceptions about the external world. To these we would also having been dictated by any common standards of rationality. add perceptions of aesthetic, ethical and spiritual values. How Since there are no significant theory-independent standards universal and ubiquitous are these human representations? Is of rationality, it follows that the communication in question is it possible to find cognitive maps within the physical, aesthetic, not a matter of rationality. It needs to involve the adoption of ethical and spiritual dimensions that could be considered “uni- a wholly new conception of the world, complete with its own versal”? These are the types of questions that we would like to distinctive standards of rationality. This argument incorporates the claim that the semantics of the two cognitive maps differ to Guillermo A. Lemarchand (principal investigator), SETI Observational Program at such an extent that those terms that they may have in common the Argentine Institute for Radioastronomy (IAR), Academician of the International Academy of Astronautics, C.C. 8---Sucursal 25, 1425-Buenos Aires, Argentina. E-Mail: should not be thought of as having the same referents in the
©2009 ISAST LEONARDO, Vol. 42, No. 5, pp. 396–402, 2009 397
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c different colors, we use the same word a tific method, no rational method servational strategies. p
s for exchanging intelligible infor- “red” to describe an apple, a brick and a It is a reasonable hypothesis to assume mation can be found. red-haired person. Context determines that any advanced intelligent species 2. Semantic incommensurability: a the meaning, but a literal translation into would have to establish some of these relation claimed to hold between another language might result in confu- principles in order to survive its evolution- instances of the same term as it oc- sion because of different human cogni- ary process, to develop technology and, curs in the confrontations between tive maps. in the long term, to evolve in harmony two different cognitive maps. Vakoch [7] goes further and shows sev- both with its planetary environment and The evolutionary paths of extraterres- eral examples of incommensurability in as a society and with other species. The trial life will be strongly dependent on the interpretation of pictorial interstel- last is a requirement for the develop- the characteristics of their planetary envi- lar messages by hypothetical galactic cul- ment of ethical restrictions. Eventually, some ETIL could have evolved thought processes and communication strategies Any serious attempt to establish contact that match our own to a degree that will enable us to comprehend them. with other galactic civilizations must Because the only way we have to find evidences of ETIL is through the detec- explore alternative epistemologies to tion of artificial signals generated by technological activities, many sorts of infer new contact strategies. cognitive universals can be surmised by considering various topics, including pragmatic requirements—what the ex- ronments. Alien intelligences will be very tures. However, his alternative proposal traterrestrials must know to build send- different organisms, with different needs, to use iconic representations, in which ing and receiving equipment. We can senses and behaviors. They could inhabit the sign bears a physical similarity to that also introduce some assumptions about environments in which neither science which it represents, still requires some aesthetic and ethical principles that will nor technologies are needed for survival. “basic common theoretical framework” define some characteristics of the con- The science of an extraterrestrial civiliza- to avoid misinterpretation. tact strategies. tion would reflect the way theyperceive na- Different planetary environments Within the scientific community there ture, as funneled through the course of around other stars may present a far is a general consensus that mathematics their particular evolutionary adjustment stronger incommensurability problem contains “cognitive universals” that cut to their specific environment. It may be for exchanging information using dif- across cultural and linguistic boundar- impossible for us to distinguish any of ferent cognitive maps. ies among humans, which can be used their possible intelligent manifestations On the other hand, all intelligent prob- to communicate with ETIL. Are there if we are using different cognitive maps. lem-solvers are subject to the same ulti- as well any universal aesthetic principles In the significantly reduced context of mate constraints—limitations on space, that could also solve the problem of in- our planet, every human language maps time and resources, including thermo- commensurability? Is it possible also to the environment of its native speakers and dynamic boundaries for physiological derive or find spiritual and ethical cogni- the information accumulated by culture and information processing systems tive universals? over many generations. Each language [8]. In order for intelligent life forms to Obviously, no matter how careful we therefore reflects the particularities of evolve powerful ways to deal with such are in establishing the universality of the environment in which its speakers constraints, they must be able to repre- these concepts, we will have biases due live. The Inuit people have many words sent the situations they face and must to our culture (ethnocentrism) and our hu- for snow, while people living in the trop- have processes for manipulating those man nature (homocentrism). In fact it may ics can get along with one or none. representations (cognitive maps and lan- be impossible to avoid these biases, and A more serious problem in differing guages). Thus every galactic civilization we may never know how severely they cognitive maps in human societies is the must develop symbol-systems for repre- limit our ability to recognize, decode way different cultures express the expe- senting objects, causes and goals and for and respond to communications from rience of seeing color [6]. Physiologi- formulating and remembering the pro- extraterrestrial intelligences. cally all humans use the same eye-brain cedures it develops for achieving those Our traditional cognitive maps usu- neurology to perceive color, but the de- goals. During its evolutionary process, ally divide the whole into parts in order scription of color is determined by the each species would eventually encounter to study them and to make the universe number of color words in each language. certain very special ideas— for example, intelligible for us. Bohm introduced a There are some languages that have only about arithmetic, causal reasoning and different epistemological approach to three color words: black, white and red. optimization processes—because these develop a new notion of order that may People in these cultures see and can dis- particular ideas are very much simpler be appropriate to a universe of unbroken tinguish between different colors, but than other ideas with similar uses. In the wholeness [9]. He defined this notion as feel no need for more terms than the same way, we can speculate about the implicate or enfolded order. In the enfolded three cited. Communication within the need to develop aesthetic, ethical and order, space and time are no longer the culture is unaffected, but communica- spiritual values. We need to begin new dominant factors determining the re- tion about color with other cultures is se- interdisciplinary research programs to lationships of dependence or indepen- verely impaired. In many other cultures focus on these other dimensions of the dence of different elements. Rather, an there is only one color word used to de- search for intelligent life in the universe. entirely different sort of basic connection scribe blue and green. Even in English, Eventually, these new windows will be of elements is possible, from which our
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with those of separately existent material an experience of transcendence. should also be very easy to comprehend. c a p
particles, are abstracted as forms derived Unfortunately, there are very few sys- For this reason, the first sequences had s from the deeper order. These ordinary tematic studies that attempt to perceive very little information, primarily to help notions in fact appear in what is called the properties of nature, aesthetics and the recipients understand how to see pic- explicate or unfolded order, which is a spe- ethics under these alternative cognitive tures. Using engravings provided a way cial and distinct form contained within maps. These epistemological approaches of comparing images with an object that the general totality of all the implicate might open new windows into our under- can be touched. orders. According to Bohm, both relativ- standing not only about universal pat- In a local context, Lomberg and Hora ity and quantum theories agree in that terns in physics and the perceived reality [15] have explored the use of aesthetic they both imply the need to look on the of our universe but also about questions principles in the design of warning mark- world as an undivided whole, in which related to aesthetic perceptions [11] and ers for long-term nuclear waste storage all parts of the universe, including the spiritual conceptions [12]. sites intended to prevent inadvertent observer and the observer’s instruments, It seems that the implicate order para- human intrusion in the distant future. merge and unite in one totality. In this digm and the perception of wholeness Some of the principles elucidated in the totality, the atomistic form of insight is a include cognitive maps that might be design of messages for extraterrestri- simplification and an abstraction, valid more universal than those used by our als were incorporated here, such as the only in some limited context. Can this mainstream physics, which organizes the need to begin from first principles in at- alternative paradigm teach us something universe and life in a fragmented way. tempting to describe anything. To use a new about how we should design our Any serious attempt to establish contact symbol like the radiation trefoil, the mes- SETI strategies? with other galactic civilizations must ex- sage must include a pictograph explain- Bohm observed that Indo-European plore these alternative epistemologies to ing the meaning of it. The proposed languages are inadequate to describe infer new contact strategies. design employed a redundant system of the properties of this wholeness and to In the early 1970s, Lomberg explored large and small markers, inscribed with enable our cognitive maps to understand the application of aesthetic and musical markings in written languages, symbols the universe from the wholeness point of cognitive universals for the design of in- and pictographs, warning people against view. In his writings, he presented several terstellar messages [13]. Some of these digging into the nuclear repository. The examples of how these language limita- novel conceptualizations were applied entire site might be marked by arrang- tions restrict our perception of quantum as selection criteria in the “pictures of ing large mounds into symbolic shapes, reality. He proposed an alternative and Earth” included in the Voyager I and II using materials with radar brightness dif- hypothetical language—the rheomode— interstellar records [14]. At that time, ferent than the surrounding desert floor. that is strongly verb based. it was obvious that the concept of “pic- The site might thereby be made visible to We can find examples of this type of ture” was by no means universal. Even aircraft or spacecraft observations. cognitive map within the human species. on Earth, members of several cultures In order to maximize the probability For instance, the Blackfoot culture lan- that do not use photographs have had of the discovery of an extraterrestrial guage is organized in such a way as to to be educated on the concept before civilization, we have studied how to min- perceive constant flux and change, as re- they could see pictures as Westerners imize the number of unknown dimen- quired by the rheomode proposal. Rather do. The selection process had to take sions usually employed by SETI scientists than space and time being separate, the into account that images should contain [16]. We have explored the advantages Blackfoot cognitive map presents a space- time in which the choice of tenses may Fig. 1. A radial search strategy proposed for the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence. depend on special distances as needed to (© Jon Lomberg) Using the shared and universal design of radial symmetry favors the estab- explain quantum realities [10]. lishment of contact between civilizations occupying the same galactic radius. Bohm also emphasized that the act of reason is essentially a kind of perception through the mind, similar in certain ways to artistic perception, and not merely the associative repetition of reasons that are already known. For example, in author Lomberg’s painting The Great Chain of Be- ing (Article Frontispiece), different scales of reality are shown: those of atoms, pro- tein chains, phage viruses, diatoms, in- sects, humans, the Sun, stars, the Milky Way and clusters of galaxies. There is no doubt that science cuts reality into pieces and considers each scale separately. Real- ity has no divisions, is a “wholeness.” This particular image shows a perception of reality encompassing everything from atomic nuclei to clusters of galaxies in one scene. Humans exist between the macrocosm and the microcosm. Science reveals the details; art unites the whole. Seeing the wholeness in such a complex,
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s do so, he described the construction of a Golden Cuboid (GC), in which there are sides of three different lengths, and these lengths are related to one another through the GS. Any electromagnetic artificial interstel- lar message (e.g. a short movie) is trans- lated into a time order, which is carried by the radio wave. Points that are near each other in the visual image are not necessarily near in the order of the radio signal. Thus, the radio wave carries the movie according to an implicate order. The function of using hypothetical aesthetic cognitive universals is then to explicate this order, that is, to unfold it in the form of a new sequence of visual images. Using elementary algebra, it is easy to show that the dimensions of a cuboid (rectangular parallelepiped) of unit vol- ume can have edges with lengths (a, b, c) related to the GS, if we let the shortest side (a) be φ = 0.61803 . . . units long, the next longest side (b) is 1 unit long and the longest side (c) is the reciprocal of φ (or φ-1 = 1.61803 . . .) units long. When we calculate the volume of such a GC by multiplying the three sides (φ × 1 × φ−1), we note that the volume is 1. Lemarchand proposed to use the first 13 terms of the Fibonacci Series as a call- ing signal that could be unmistakably recognized as artificial and that would also show a subtle implicate aesthetic Fig. 2. The Use of the Phi in SETI. (© Jon Lomberg) The universal proportion known as the order. A message organized in a tempo- Golden Section or Phi might be used to enable decoding and understanding of the contents of an interstellar message. ral sequence of two level signals (on-off, 0-1, etc.) with 2,986,128 different time in- of using several radial and bilateral sym- a law of physics of universal character. tervals can be regularly repeated. This is metries and other aesthetic principles, It is interesting that several prominent a representation of a three-dimensional such as the Golden Section (GS), to re- scientists consider aesthetics and sym- GC message constructed as the product strict some free variables of the Cosmic metry as criteria of truth to be employed of three special Fibonacci numbers: 89 × Haystack. We concluded that symmetry, when choosing between one theory 144 × 233 = 2,986,128. The latter product as well as other aesthetic considerations, and another. Paul Dirac, more than any will also place a limit on the equivalent can contribute to the solution of general other modern physicist, became preoc- number of bits for each GC message unit. and specific SETI problems, including cupied with the concept of mathematical The number 144 is the only square num- choices among the various frequencies, beauty as an intrinsic feature of nature ber of the Fibonacci series; moreover, it directions and times that define particu- and as a methodological guide for its lies between two prime numbers that are lar search strategies. Figures 1 and 2 show scientific investigation. He originated also contiguous members of that series how to apply some of these ideas. the epigraphs: “a physical law must pos- (89 and 233). Due to the particular char- The epistemological restrictions on sess mathematical beauty” and “a theory acter of the number 144 in the series, this the concept of the “universality of laws with mathematical beauty is more likely number may be taken as a second-order of nature” are basic assumptions that lie correct than an ugly one that fits some basic unit of measurement. Dividing each behind the concept of spatial-temporal experimental data.” Similar statements of the three numbers in the sequence symmetries and the hypothesis that uni- are found in Einstein, Weyl and Chan- by 144 results in the following ratios: versal laws have the property of isotropy drasekhar. A systematic epistemological a = 89/144 ≈ φ, b = 144/144 = 1, and and homogeneity in space and time. Our analysis of beauty as a criterion of truth c = 233/144 ≈ φ−1. The result is a three- human cognitive maps use assumptions was conducted by McAllister [17]. dimensional aesthetic module, in which of “symmetries” to define the cognitive Lemarchand [18] has given an exam- it is possible to insert representations of universals of the laws of physics. ple of how to combine Bohm’s paradigm solid objects or a sequence of two-dimen- There is also a strong link between aes- with the GS aesthetic principle. He pro- sional images to generate a short movie thetic principles and the perception of posed transmitting three-dimensional (see Fig. 2). scientific truth. For example, symmetry holograms using the Golden Section, We may also encode more complex is the necessary condition to consider which is a unique mathematical propor- information reflecting some interesting
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2 6 c
this GC such as: (a) the ratios between advanced societies (10 to 10 years). At in the galaxy. a p
the areas of the faces follow the relation some point, in order to avoid self-destruc- Several discussions have also been in- s φ:1:φ-1, (b) the total surface area of the tion, all intelligent species in the universe troduced concerning the religious impli- cuboid is 2(φ + 1 + φ-1) = 4φ; (c) four of must produce an ethical breakthrough cations of the discovery of extraterrestrial the six faces of the GC are also GS rect- among the members of their societies in intelligence [21--24], but very few intro- angles; (d) the ratio of the area of the order to achieve harmony in their plan- duce a discussion about the universality sphere circumscribing the cuboid to etary environment. Otherwise, the prob- of different spiritual cognitive maps. that of the cuboid is π:φ, an interesting ability of global extinction would be very However, Haught presents an interesting relation between two incommensurable high, and consequently their societal life observation to be further explored: numbers; and finally, (e) the GC also expectancy would be very short. According to the great teachers in Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Bud- dhism and other religious traditions, we Our main thesis is that all civilizations express our own unique human dignity and value not by looking for signs of our mental or ethical superiority over other should evolve ethically at the same time forms of life, but by following a path of service and even self-sacrifice with re- as they evolve technologically. spect to the whole of life, wherever it may be present. Authentic existence, as Bud- dhism especially makes clear, consists of our capacity for compassion rather than shows a self-similar or fractal pattern: Our main thesis is that all civilizations the urge toward competition [25]. If two cuboids of square cross section should evolve ethically at the same time (φ-1 × φ-1) are cut from the GC, the edge as they evolve technologically. When These thoughts, along with the discovery lengths of the remaining cuboid are in these civilizations reach their technologi- of altruistic and cooperative behaviors in the same ratio as those of the original cal adolescent stage, they must perform several terrestrial species [26], are good GC: 1:φ-1:φ-2 = φ:1:φ-1. This results in a new an ethical societal mutation or become start points for exploring possible spiri- GC, φ-3 times the original size, providing a extinct. After learning how to reach a tual and ethical cognitive universals. property that might be useful for encod- synergetic harmony among the indi- We agree with Dick [27], who conceives ing a higher level of information. In all vidual members, their groups and their the biological universe as a cosmological cases, the content or meaning that is en- habitat, they would extend this praxis to worldview. All these different approaches, folded and carried is primarily an order all living beings, including their hypo- from the physical and natural sciences to and a measure, which might be unfolded thetical galactic neighbors. Their own the social, cognitive, artistic and philo- by an aesthetic cognitive universal. evolutionary history will teach them the sophical disciplines, represent only tiny On Earth, several terrestrial cultures Kantian principle of respecting each sparks in the dark. In almost 50 years of have long traditional schemes that con- other’s universalizing wills. Being aware astronomical searches for extraterrestrial nect aesthetics and symmetrical patterns that each planetary evolutionary path artificial signals, we have only explored (also present in nature) with transcen- is unique, these advanced civilizations a small fraction of the Cosmic Haystack dental values. Their human cognitive will have a noninterference policy with (0.00000000000001%) with null results maps generate a perception of “Sacred the evolutionary process of underde- [28]. We now need the strongest interac- Geometry” in several natural forms, veloped societies. These advanced spe- tion among physical, natural, social and ranging from crystals, sunflowers and cies will not want to place potentially humanist scholars to search together Nautilus pompilius seashells to galactic destructive knowledge at the disposal of for new “universal cognitive maps” that spirals. Those patterns are also found in any “ethically underdeveloped” society. might enhance our strategies for detect- many artistic works worldwide. There is Such knowledge could be a threat to the ing the first evidence that we are not also the belief that certain forms found emerging society’s survival. Any civiliza- alone in the universe. everywhere in nature are useful for evok- tion needs time to work out adequate ing a feeling of transcendence in art and moral restraints on its own behavior. Acknowledgments religion. Examples include Hindu and These advanced civilizations could Tibetan mandalas, European church use a different approach to call our at- We are thankful for the valuable comments and suggestions made by Steven Dick, David Peat and windows and GSs. For the philosopher tention. Instead of sending hundreds Douglas Vakoch. A.N. Whitehead and his theological fol- of terabits of scientific and technical lowers, the purpose of the cosmos con- knowledge, they could send us manifes- References sists of its aim toward the intensification tations of their artistic production. The of beauty [19]. As in science, aesthetic manifestation of human symbolic think- Unedited references as provided by the authors. principles are also thought to provide a ing started with our first artistic expres- 1. Kuhn, T.; The Structure of Scientific Revolutions (Chi- connection with immanent and transcen- sions. It would be natural to think that it cago: Chicago University Press, 1962). dental truth. would be much easier to “contemplate” 2. Shklovskii, I.S. and Sagan, C.; Intelligent Life in the Lemarchand [20] also explored the an extraterrestrial piece of art than to Universe (San Francisco: Holden Day, 1966). universality of certain ethical consid- “interpret” the correct application of an 3. Lemarchand, G.A.; El Llamado de las Estrellas (Bue- erations for several ETIL transmitting extravagant technology. An extraterres- nos Aires: Lugar Científico, 1992). scenarios. In maintaining a technologi- trial symphony, an abstract image or a 4. Lemarchand, G.A.; “Is There Intelligent Life Out cal civilization, it is impossible to have new aesthetic manifestation might help There?” Scientific American Quarterly special issue on Exploring Intelligence, 9(4): 96-104 (1998). superior science and technology and us to expand our symbolic capacities to inferior morals. This combination is dy- new, unexpected frontiers and eventually 5. Kuhn [1]. namically unstable and we can guarantee diminish the incommensurability of cog- 6. Jameson, K. and Lomberg, J.; “Color Processing
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p pology (in press, 2009). for Interstellar Communication?” Presented at the Many Worlds: The New Universe, Extraterrestrial Life and s International Astronomical Union Colloquium 161, Ca- the Theological Implications, (Philadelphia: Templeton 7. Vakoch, D.A.; “Signs of Life beyond Earth: A Se- pri, Italy, 1--5 July (1996) pp. 4--12,
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Environment 2.0: Through Cracks in the Pavement
Guest Editor: Drew Hemment
The second call for papers of the Leonardo special project Lovely Weather: Artists and Scientists on the Cultural Context of Climate Change seeks new cross-disciplinary thinking on sustainability in urban envi- ronments, with a focus on creative intervention, social change and non-Western perspectives. In urban environments we are separated from the consequences of our actions as surely as the tarmac of the road cuts us off from the earth beneath. This physical boundary encourages a phenomenological sepa- ration. It is also a symptom and a driver of a global reliance on the private car and fossil fuel. But between the cracks in the pavement, another world flourishes---local activism, recycling, environmental collectives, permaculture, urban gardening. Artistic and social projects can widen the cracks in the pavements. Such creative innovations might be art- works, social entrepreneurship, scientific intervention or innovations that harness everyday creativity. They might seek to decode the complex relationships between people, nature and technology in urban settings. Or they might be conceived as interventions that can help contribute to profound social change, or suggest alternative possibilities for or critical perspectives on sustainability. A new relationship is emerging as computing migrates into the environment. When the Earth is mapped, tagged and digitized, it ceases to be inert raw material and becomes instead navigable, computable and manipulable. How will this affect the way that industrial societies have viewed the environment as a resource to be exploited and tamed? Leonardo is soliciting texts that document the works of artists, researchers, and scholars involved in the exploration of sustainability in urban environments. Themes and issues may include:
• Sustainability in urban environments • Ubiquitous, pervasive, locative and mobile communication technology • Growing community • Sowing seeds of social change. Linked activity includes an Urban Climate Camp forum at ISEA2008 in Singapore in August 2008, and an exhibition and workshop at Futuresonic 2009 in Manchester, U.K., during May 2009,
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