The 2002-2003 J. K. Russell Research Conference: Paul Davies
Graduate Theological Union Library
Multiverse and Anthropic Fine-Tuning: Philosophical and Theological Implications
Scientists have long known that if the laws of physics were only slightly different, then life (at least as we know it) would be impossible. Some theologians have suggested that this biological fine-tuning (often misnamed anthropic fine-tuning) is evidence for a Cosmic Designer. But many scientists prefer to explain the ingeniously bio-friendly nature of the universe as a selection effect, by appealing to the idea of a multiverse. This theory envisages an infinite array of universes manifesting an infinite variety of laws. Only in those universes where the laws are, by accident, bio-friendly, will there be observers such as us to marvel at the contrived nature of their world. But how scientific is the multiverse? Does it really explain the facts? And is this theory any more convincing than a divine selection?