ABSTRACT
This chapter considers some of the methodological objections to SETI research but it is maintained that, notwithstanding alleged fallacies attributed to some of the arguments of its exponents, SETI falls within the province of genuine scientific inquiry. SETI differs from pseudo-science in its adherence to scientific theories and requirement to provide legitimate explanations. A review of the post-positivist approach to the philosophy of science developed by Sir Karl Popper, Paul K. Feyerabend, and Thomas Kuhn suggests that SETI offers a research programme that is compatible with late-twentieth-century ideas about science. This chapter also focuses on the underlying beliefs and assumptions governing SETI research, and the Drake equation is examined.
