In the inaugural lecture of the “Investigating Non-Human Intelligence” series, philosopher of science Michael Cifone presents a critical framework for approaching the possible existence of non-human intelligence (NHI) through scientific inquiry.

This talk examines how scientific paradigms are equipped to undertake observations of potential non-human intelligence and how “intelligence” and “non-human” should be defined to avoid anthropocentric assumptions and support operational research. Can we form a scientifically useful conception of intelligence as problem-solving, information processing, or goal-directed behavior that could be extended beyond biological life as we know it? And within that scope, how do theories of extraterrestrial origin or alternate ontologies fit into a broader, interdisciplinary view of what may constitute a non-human form of intelligence?

Rather than presupposing the existence of NHI, this talk asks what it would take—epistemologically, methodologically, and institutionally—to even pose the question rigorously. Why should we research the possibility of non-human intelligence at all? What is the societal value of such inquiry for scientific institutions, policy-makers, academic researchers, and an increasingly engaged public?

Finally, the talk addresses the critical question of methodology: what kinds of data—testimonial, instrumental, biological—can be integrated into a coherent evidentiary framework? How do we contend with phenomena that may resist standard observation, or that manifest primarily in subjective experience? And how might transparency, interdisciplinary collaboration, and open-data practices help safeguard this emerging field from bias, disinformation, or premature conclusions?

Instead of attempting to answer the question of whether non-human intelligence exists, this talk proposes the scientific methods, tools and frameworks needed to inform the empirical data collection and research necessary to ultimately credibly validate such claims.