English Composition

Assignment No. 1

INSTITUTE OF SPACE TECHNOLOGY,

ISLAMABAD
IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE?

 Introduction:
Author explains the point of view of doubters and
believers in existence of life on planets other than Earth. He uses
divergent theories to explain whether there is life on other
planets or not.

 Background Information:
The author describes different theories like
Plentitude theory, Contingency theory, Convergence theory and
Morris explanations to convey and explain his arguments about
existence of extra-terrestrial life.

 Explanation:
The author uses three main theories i.e.
Plentitude theory, Contingency theory, Convergence theory.
Plentitude theory says that due to presence of many star systems
in universe it is possible that there may be life on other planet.
Contingency theory states that the processes which led to the
evolution of life are so complicated that it is extraordinary they
occurred once. Convergence theory refers to situations when
two different species are faced with a problem and
independently arrive at the same situation.

 Conclusion:
 This passage is an argument. But the arguments are
not convincing. It is disagreement. The author says that
conditions for life itself are so fragile and complex that it is
remarkable that life occurred even once, much less that it could
be repeated elsewhere.

 Reasons Given To Support:

The author used different theories. Morris
explained that basic needs for survival of life like food stuffs are
becoming less day by day. Although plentitude theory says that
due to presence of many star systems there must be life on those
planets but basic resources are decreasing at very fast rate.
Nature may be willing but conditions might not be right.

 Consideration Of Opposing Arguments:

The author explains two aspects of
Morris theory. First Morris argued that where nature has
produced one it is likely to produce again. But Morris also says
that basic conditions may be rare in universe. The author
explains his point that if there was intelligent life out there, it is
possible that we would have identified some sign of it by now.