Concept in Definition ABC
Miscellanea / / July 04, 2021
By Javier Navarro, in May. 2016
In English the acronym UFO stand for Unidentified Flying Object, which in Spanish translates as UFO (Unidentified Flying Object). Thus, ufology literally means science or knowledge about UFOs.
The basic pillars of ufology and its problematic dimension
Ufology is based on two aspects or ideas: 1) it makes sense think that the human being is not the only individual who inhabits the immensity of the universe and 2) they have a series of strange phenomena that make one suspect the presence of extraterrestrial beings in the Land.
On the other hand, the scientific community has not reached an agreement on the authenticity of UFOs. For some scholars of the subject, there is enough evidence and data to prove its veracity, but other scholars consider that the available information is not enough to guarantee that UFOs have been or are present among us. This disparity of criteria means that while some speak of ufology, others call it ufolatry.
Arguments and theories in favor of ufology
Throughout history, the cultures that have sustained the presence of extraterrestrials have been very diverse. Thus, the Incas, the Mayans or the ancient Egyptians left testimonies that indicate this.
The fact that nanofossils have been found on other planets makes some scientists think that this is proof that there is extraterrestrial life in the universe. Is thesis is related to another: the "seeds" on Earth could have come from other planets (this idea is known as the theory panspermia).
From the point of view of probabilities mathIn the universe there should be innumerable solar systems, which implies that mathematically there must be some place similar to the Earth and, therefore, other forms of life.
Against ufology
In the first place, many of the alleged extraterrestrial phenomena have been the product of some deception or manipulation (as an example, you can remember the episode of the aliens from Roswell).
Atypical phenomena occur in the universe that can easily be confused with the presence of extraterrestrials (meteorites, atmospheric phenomena or optical effects that are attributed to the world of UFO).
The "evidence" in favor of ufology is based on testimonies and personal experiences, a procedure contrary to scientific method (the approach of a scientist consists of presenting definitive evidence that can be verified by the entire scientific community).
Photos: iStock - Lena_graphics / borisz
Topics in Ufology