What is the Fermi Paradox?
A) Galactic civilizations, like ours, seem forbidden by the laws of physics.
B) Interstellar travel is possible yet would take an infinite amount of time because of relativistic time-dilation.
C) We would be unable to detect an Earth-like planet even at a distance of a few light years.
D) Reasonable assumptions predict that a galactic civilization should have already arisen in the Milky Way. Yet, we have absolutely no evidence for it.
E) The Drake equation predicts that there should be no intelligent life in the Milky Way. Yet, we exist.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Fermi Paradox is the apparent contradiction between the high probability of the existence of extraterrestrial civilizations and the lack of evidence for, or contact with, such civilizations. Choice D represents one of the most popular theories behind the paradox, which is that a galactic civilization should have already arisen in the Milky Way, yet there is no conclusive evidence of it.

What Is the Fermi Paradox