There’s so much to unpack here, but Cooper makes it all easy to digest, even as he’s blowing your mind with the sheer immensity of the universe and the incredible distances and challenges involved in locating, let alone communicating with, an alien species. The Contact Paradox is the best of scientific writing: it’s engaging, informative, full of wonder, heartbreakingly honest, and presents all sides fairly. Everything you need to know on the subject is right here.
The Contact Paradox is a fascinating look at the history of SETI and the possibilities inherent to extraterrestrial contact. What Cooper does that is so engaging is address multiple aspects of the issue ... What’s so intriguing about The Contact Paradox is the way Cooper juxtaposes direct conversations about the mechanics of SETI with thoughts about human nature and how that might (or might not) translate into our engagement with aliens should we ever establish communication ... the kind of book that anyone intrigued about what (or who) might be out there among the stars needs to read. It’s a smart and concise look at SETI, the people devoted to it and the potential consequences of its success.
... [a] fantastic entry in the Bloomsbury Sigma series of science-related titles ... despite countless science fiction cautionary tales, humans are still reflexively eager to meet sentient alien life. Those enthusiasts should read The Contact Paradox before laying out the welcome mat.
The great virtue of Cooper’s discussion is that it gives readers a picture of living science. Too often, science is presented as fixed, solved, completed. Cooper shows us scientists disagreeing, presenting and supporting alternative theories, and gives clear discussions of the differing views, letting the science live ... the source of fascinating insights.
Coverage of researchers’ projects and ideas, which include sending fleets of robots to nearby stars, is of particular interest. Concluding with the title’s paradox: human curiosity motivating SETI versus the unknown risk to humanity of making contact with ET, Cooper delivers an exciting, provocative tome to which science buffs will flock.
Throughout, the author is free with his own opinions, and there is no shortage of surprises ... Cooper recounts the debate between 'rare Earth' experts who believe we may be unique with those who disagree, but it remains an area of pure (and frustrating) speculation. Discussions on technical aspects of searching contain more satisfying answers ... Cooper delivers an enlightening exploration[.]
... [an] intriguing study ... Exploring...concerns with concise and approachable writing, Cooper crafts a worthwhile popular science work about questions that, as scientists continually improve the human capacity for gathering information about the rest of the universe, are becoming increasingly important.
