The dialogic model: representing human diversity in messages to extraterrestrials

A Dialogic Model of constructing a unified reply message is suggested in which differences between perspectives are valued, rather than minimized. In this model, a diversity of views is seen as a virtue. Consensus in the broad sense of agreeing to include multiple perspectives is encouraged, while consensus in the narrow sense of everyone agreeing about all parts of the message is seen as overly restrictive, if not impossible. In the Dialogic Model, even perspectives that are irreconcilable with one another might be included in a single reply. Drawing upon multiple perspectives allows us to expand beyond our own preconceptions, gives extraterrestrials several ways to understand our views of the world, and portrays the breadth of human concerns. Seven benefits of beginning work on a reply message immediately are identified: (1) concretely understanding the challenge of creating an adequate reply; (2) helping decode messages from extraterrestrials; (3) creating interstellar compositions as a new form of art; (4) having a reply ready in case we receive a message; (5) providing a sense of concrete accomplishment; (6) preparing for an active search strategy; and (7) gaining public support for SETI.