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Notes -
We know that FTL contradicts our contemporary understanding of physics. So let's assume that another species were knowledgeable enough that they could use FTL craft to surveil distant star systems. Would this species really be dull enough to let the inhabitants of those systems see their craft, let alone the things piloting them? This species would not only need to have an entirely different grasp of physics than we do, but they would also need to have an efficient organizational structure that would enable them to manufacture FTL craft en masse - because if they're good enough to send us a single covert craft, then I'd argue it's more than likely that they have several stationed in other systems and that we aren't necessarily unique. For reference, we're nowhere near FTL but we've compulsively sent several probes to every planet in our own star system; and surely, wouldn't this hypothetical species have evolved gradually to arrive at their current state? To an extent, I really think that them being here in the first place implies they're a lot more like us than we realize.
But this is special pleading. Or at least until some new discovery makes these things possible. If you want to argue that FTL travel is being done by aliens, then first it must be established that the laws of physics allows this to happen. And so far every proposed system runs into violations of known physics. If we later discover something that works, fine, but until then waving your hand and saying they’re more advanced is simply a more scientific sounding way of saying “Magic”. And the same is true of the idea of cloaking. There’s no physics that would do this. And furthermore, it still doesn’t explain the lack of artificial structures in general. Even if it were plausible to hide a ship, then where are the space stations, planets with artificial structures, artificial signals, or even signs of life on other planets. And this is the rub of why I think aliens are a poor explanation of anything. Everything in the argument is being used to explain away the lack of evidence, or explain away why physics doesn’t restrain them. And this is a red flag on the theory. Any theory that has to explain away a lack of evidence or excuse violations of known scientific theory is more than likely crap. Aliens are the least likely by far, of any plausible explanation for what people are seeing and what the “whistleblower” is telling people.
I think there’s a difference here in that the argument that a being a million years ahead of us can do Y because it’s more advanced is a pretty poor argument, again, unless we, using current science and mathematics have some reason to suspect that Y is at least a possibility. In suggesting that physics says Y is impossible and therefore unless given a solid reason for doubting Y being impossible is wrong. And unfortunately E=mc^2 is a pretty well established tested and tried law of physics.
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