Inner Light Inconsistency

[Bryan Moore]

Do we have ANY idea how this probe made by a race who, from all accounts, has limited knowledge of space, was able to construct a probe that captured the thoughts of this man and broadcast them to the mind of someone a thousand years later? While I adore this episode and was watching it today, this has always bothered me. There is no evidence of any psionic abilities from Kamin or any other person on the episode, their inability to diagnose a supernova (at least, on screen) indicates their knowledge of their solar system is minimal, nor does Kamin know anything about this probe before it was launched.

[Tyyr]

Nothing says a culture will advance all areas of technology at the rate we have. They might have devoted far more time and resources to neuroscience instead of space travel for instance.

[Sionnach Glic]

Exactly. Even we don't advance in all areas at a uniform pace.

[Mikey]

Yep. Level of technology doesn't necessarily correlate with the manner of that technology.

[thelordharry]

I blame Patrick Stewart's son, it was his fault.

[Bryan Moore]

I'm fine with the explanation of neurosciences being much more advanced, but is this still not a little far fetched? I'm not trying to detract from the episode, I just find it to be somewhat odd.

[Teaos]

I dont think its that far fetched.

It could be a cultural/religious reason, they put great importance on nuroscience or maybe ban research on space travel ect.

[Sionnach Glic]

I don't see it as being far-fetched. They simply may not consider space travel to be of major importance. Even on Earth today, the space programs don't really hold much interest for the majority of humanity, and is considered relatively unimportant. If this species lives on a planet that is currently not short on resources or living space, I can easily see them sitting back and ignoring space.

[Mikey]

Yep. The desire to advance in many directions, if not all of them, is a human characteristic - but there's no reason to ascribe that desire to an alien species.

[Graham Kennedy]

Yes, it's farfetched. It's also entirely beside the point of the episode.

[Mikey]

Yes, it's farfetched. It's also entirely beside the point of the episode.

Best point so far. "The Inner Light" is about as non sci-fi-oriented as an ep of a sci-fi series can get.

[RK_Striker_JK_5]

It's about the life not lived.

[Bryan Moore]

Yes, it's farfetched. It's also entirely beside the point of the episode.

And I can accept that, and fully said I adore the episode. It just sorta bugged me a little. As I said it doesn't detract.