/sci/ - Science & Math

Problem is, there is no reason to weaponize space, build huge combat-capable ships or build planetary defences.
That's exactly the problem.

It's almost guaranteed we are not alone in the universe and while it MAY be possible we are alone in the galaxy, we will EVENTUALLY meet others out there.
The problem is, if we meet a species that has weaponized and we haven't. We are 100% fucked. End of our civilization. It would take too long to research/develop the technology to repel an attack if we start only when we discover another civilization.

In my opinion, this is likely one of the leading causes of space faring civilizations to become extinct.

Hell, you never know. There may be a civilization in our galaxy SO ADVANCED they they specifically isolate sectors of planets, shielding them from recieving communications/signals from outside their protective little bubble. This way, any civilizations that do pop up over the millenia on planets they don't know about, have no idea they are surrounded by enemies and don't build defences. Then as soon as the dominant civilization finds out about them. End of story.

It's what I'd dop if I ran a vast interstellar empire. I'd try and make the galaxy seem as empty as possible so civilizations are busy fighting themselves than having entire solar systems being fortified in preperation.

also, what better way to find planets that can support life, than waiting for life to make itself heard... then going and killing it?