Like other popular media, the World Wide Web is full of claims of the existence of "extraterrestrial intelligence"namely, UFO sightings and alien abductions. (a) Choose a Web site of this kind and analyze its content using the idea of Occam's razor, the principle that if there is more than one viable explanation for a phenomenon, one should choose the simplest explanation that fits all the observed facts. (b) Read what a skeptical Web site has to say about UFO sightings. A good example is the Web site of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal, or CSICOP. After considering what you have read on both sides of the UFO debate, discuss your opinions about whether aliens really have landed on Earth. NM2e,

Step by step solution

01

Choose and Analyze a Website

To start off, select a website that actively promotes the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence. Once you've made your selection, begin analyzing its content. Pay close attention to the claims being made and the evidence (or lack thereof) presented to back up these claims. Now apply Occam's razor to these claims. The principle suggests that if there are multiple possible explanations available, one should select the simplest explanation that still accounts for all observed facts.

02

Analyze a Skeptical Website

Next, pick a skeptical website like CSICOP and digest its content. Understand the rationale behind the skepticism and how it refutes the claims made by pro-alien sites. Consider the arguments and evidence presented on this site. Apply Occam's razor to these claims, too. Typically, these sites will present more scientifically grounded explanations for the phenomena often attributed to aliens.

03

Compare and Formulate Opinions

Now, compare the information, claims, and explanations provided by the two different websites. Pay close attention to how their arguments either align with or go against Occam's razor. After doing this, construct your personal opinion on the matter. This should be based on your analysis and understanding of both sites' content and the application of Occam's razor. Remember to remain unbiased and focus on the evidence presented rather than personal beliefs or preferences.

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