The Fine-Tuned Universe

As I understand it, our universe, the planets, the elements, our place in the universe, and life on Earth all seem to exist because of a recipe of precise physical constants. According to the Fine Tuned Universe theory, any deviation in any of these constants and none of us would be around and the universe--if it existed at all--would be a totally different place.

I welcome your thoughts and invite you to submit a guest blog on the topic.

The Anthropic Principle

This principle states that the universe appears to be fine-tuned for life because if it weren't, we wouldn't be here to observe it. In other words, the fact that we exist in a universe that is suitable for life is not evidence of a designer or creator, but rather a selection effect.

While the anthropic principle is a reasonable explanation for the fine-tuning problem, it has been criticized for being tautological--i.e., explaining the fine-tuning problem by assuming the very thing that needs to be explained, the existence of life. Sooo... some folks have sought an alternative explanation for the fine-tuning problem (FTP).

Multiverse Theory

This controversial theory suggests that our universe is just one of many universes in a much larger multiverse where different physical constants and laws may exist. Who knows if scientists will ever be able to test the theory empirically since we can't observe other universes beyond our own. At the moment, Earth appears to be the only itsy-bitsy spot in this vast expanse suitable for life as we know it.

However, let us not forget that it was once believed that the earth was the center of the universe, that matter was composed of the "four basic elements", earth, air, fire, and water, and that disease was caused by imbalances in the four humors, blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile.

Constants

Here's a short list of some of the constants considered crucial in determining the nature and behavior of our Earth and the universe. Links are provided for those of you who would like more detailed, technical information.

1. Gravitational constant (G)

2. Planck's constant (h)

3. Speed of light in a vacuum (c)

4. Electromagnetic fine-structure constant (α)

5. Strong nuclear force coupling constant (αs)

6. Weak nuclear force coupling constant (αw)

7. Masses of fundamental particles (e.g. electron, proton, neutron)

8. Cosmological constant (Λ)

9. Density of dark matter in the universe (ΩDM)

10. Ratio of the number of protons to the number of photons (η).

Also, I recommend this excellent review of the subject by Arvin Ash in which he presents both sides of the discussion: "Is the Universe Fine-Tuned for Life? The Case FOR and AGAINST Fine Tuning."

In conclusion, lots of questions remain: Is our universe and life on Earth an incredibly probabilistic accident, or a predetermined event, and is it continuing to evolve with or without an agent? What say you?