[Dad was my hero]

I will quote from Michael Crichton on the Drake equation, “The problem, of course, is that none of the terms can be known and most cannot even be estimated. The only to work the equation is to fill it in with guesses. And guesses - just so we’re clear - are merely expressions of prejudice.”

[Dryman]

My thoughts exactly.

[jimmyray]

Your comment is spot on. Most people never realize the assumptions and guesses, er, estimates, often innumerable, that back any theory of the unknown, e.g. origins, existence of God, or extraterrestrial life.

They all require faith in the unknown.

[Billthedrill]

I will quote from Michael Crichton on the Drake equation, "The problem, of course, is that none of the terms can be known and most cannot even be estimated. The only to work the equation is to fill it in with guesses. And guesses - just so we're clear - are merely expressions of prejudice."

Bingo. Nicely put. One does not really confer scientific credibility through the judicious use of arithmetical operators on non-arithmetical terms. The Drake equation is nothing more than an attempt to set down some of the factors. It does not pretend (or shouldn't) to be exhaustive.

[DuncanWaring]

Michael Crichton's lecture "Aliens Cause Global Warming", in which he eviscerates the Drake Equation, can be found here.