Why is Astrobiology a legit major when we haven't found aliens?

[Gizmo j]

Astrobiology, B.S. | Florida Tech

Study the theory of abiogenesis and learn about the potential for life on other planets in our universe with an astrobiology degree from Florida Tech.

www.fit.edu

 

[feralkid]

But seriously, "study the theory" and "learn about the potential" should answer your query.

 

[sandorski]

In our current understanding of Science, it is very likely that Alien Life exists. It is possible we will never even have the possibility to find any, but if we do having explored the possibilities will give us a headstart on learning about it.

 

[sdifox]

Because we need suckers, I mean volunteers, for facehuggers.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Because Florida Tech likes money.

 

[snoopy7548]

The "B.S." thing after it stands for Bull Shit. They tack that on to the names of certain majors so people know whether it's a real major or not.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Why is political "science" a legit major?

 

[OccamsToothbrush]

Screw that. Can I get a B.S. in theoretical time travel? If I'm going to invest in a useless degree in pseudo-science I want to at least have a chance of getting next weeks Powerball numbers.

 

[IronWing]

As long as marketing majors exist, I’ll give a pass to all others.

 

[ralfy]

Because there's life on earth, which means given combinations of factors there is potentially life outside it.

 

[BoomerD]

Because there's life on earth, which means given combinations of factors there is potentially life outside it.

OK, granted...it's definitely a possibility...likely even, but NO LIFE of ANY KIND has been found anywhere except this planet...how can they issue a valid degree in a theoretical subject?

 

[pauldun170]

I'm biased due to knowing individuals who have had NASA sign their paycheck because "Mars" is cool so I'll bite my tongue.

OP,
I recommend you ask NASA why Astrobiology is a thing.
They actually do respond from time to time to questions such as yours.

NASA Astrobiology

astrobiology.nasa.gov

 

[lxskllr]

"Life" is more than two headed aliens walking around. It's also bacteria and other simple organisms. I'm sure that's useful for something, but since I don't follow biology, I can't specify.

 

[Ichinisan]

Because we are biological and we have our own prospects in space.

 

[ralfy]

OK, granted...it's definitely a possibility...likely even, but NO LIFE of ANY KIND has been found anywhere except this planet...how can they issue a valid degree in a theoretical subject?

There are many degrees that involve theories.

 

[zinfamous]

Because if you just read the lines of the link in your OP, that we can read without clicking on it, you'd understand that it doesn't have to have anything to do with aliens.

 

[zinfamous]

As long as marketing majors exist, I’ll give a pass to all others.

A-fucking-men

 

[BoomerD]

"Life" is more than two headed aliens walking around. It's also bacteria and other simple organisms. I'm sure that's useful for something, but since I don't follow biology, I can't specify.

I agree completely...but at this point, it's all just speculation because "there HAS TO BE life out there...we just haven't found it yet."

There are many degrees that involve theories.

How can it be called a science if it can't be proven?
(a theory is just an idea...or a concept, not hard, proven fact.)

 

[Ajay]

Depends, how many hot chicks take these courses. I would happily have helped them look for aliens.

 

[feralkid]

How can it be called a science if it can't be proven?
(a theory is just an idea...or a concept, not hard, proven fact.)

Oh my.

 

[BoomerD]

Oh my.

you are proving my point. "Theories" change as the data and results dictate...what was once thought of as hard fact, quickly becomes outdated and "quaint."

 

[snoopy7548]

you are proving my point. "Theories" change as the data and results dictate...what was once thought of as hard fact, quickly becomes outdated and "quaint."

Pot meet kettle.

 

[BoomerD]

Pot meet kettle.

 

[Iron Woode]

1. we may never find any life anywhere outside our solar system due to technology limitations and sheer distances involved.

2. it has been speculated that any alien life will probably microscopic rather than complex lifeforms like us.

 

[ralfy]

How can it be called a science if it can't be proven?
(a theory is just an idea...or a concept, not hard, proven fact.)

"Science" doesn't refer to what has been proven but the process of knowing.