Quote Originally Posted by Divinus Arma
Big John, the problem we have is that we have sample size of 1. You cannot do statistics with n = 1. Sure we could have an unknown population size, but how do you compute probability with n = 1? You can't. Ant that is the problem. Thus, we can not know one way or the other. And once we have a sample size of n=2, then we already have an answer!
actually n=9, and a test for life returns a match of 1, so far. or are you sampling solar systems? in any case, i contend that we don't have enough data to make any meaningful statements about the probability of non-earth-derived life.

It appears to be more logical to accept it as a likely possibility rather than to dismiss it as an impossibility.
between those two, i'm not sure which is more logical.. as i see it, the most logical position is to claim ignorance until sufficient data is collected.

Besides, from what frame are you approaching this question? Religion, statistics, what?
if i'm approaching it from any frame, it would be "ignorance". i am interested in statistical data, certainly not metaphysical conjecture (i.e. religious viewpoints) on the subject.