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What is the Anthropic Principle?
The following is a short answer to this question taken from the book Intelligent Design 101 by H Wayne House. I offer it for general information and/or discussion..
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Anthropic means “relating to human beings or their existence.” Principle means “law.” The Anthropic Principle is the Law of Human Existence. It is well known that our existence in this universe depends on numerous cosmological constants and parameters whose numerical values must fall within a very narrow range of values. If even a single variable were off, even slightly, we would not exist. The extreme improbability that so many variables would align so auspiciously in our favor merely by chance has led some scientists and philosophers to propose instead that it was God who providentially engineered the universe to suit our specific needs. This is the Anthropic Principle: that the universe appears to have been fine-tuned for our existence.
Consider protons, for example. Protons are the positively charged subatomic particles which (along with neutrons) form the nucleus of an atom (around which negatively charged electrons orbit). Whether by providence or fortuitous luck (depending on your perspective), protons just happen to be 1,836 times larger than electrons. If they were a little bigger or a little smaller, we would not exist (because atoms could not form the molecules we require). So how did protons end up being 1,836 times larger than electrons? Why not 100 times larger or 100,000 times? Why not smaller? Of all the possible variables, how did protons end up being just the right size? Was it luck or contrivance?
Or how is it that protons carry a positive electrical charge equal to that of the negatively charged electrons? If protons did not balance electrons and vice versa, we would not exist. They are not comparable in size, yet they are perfectly balanced. Did nature just stumble upon such a propitious relationship, or did God ordain it for our sakes?
Here are some examples of how the Anthropic Principle directly affects the livability of our planet:
The unique properties of water. Every known life form depends on water. Thankfully, unlike every other substance known to man, water’s solid form (ice) is less dense than its liquid form. This causes ice to float. If ice did not float, our planet would experience runaway freezing. Other important properties of water include its solvency, cohesiveness, adhesiveness and other thermal properties.
Earth’s atmosphere. If there were too much of just one of the many gases which make up our atmosphere, our planet would suffer a runaway greenhouse effect. On the other hand, if there were not enough of these gases, life on this planet would be devastated by cosmic radiation.
Earth’s reflectivity or “albedo” (the total amount of light reflected off the planet versus the total amount of light absorbed). If Earth’s albedo were much greater than it is now, we would experience runaway freezing. If it were much less than it is, we would experience a runaway greenhouse effect.
Earth’s magnetic field. If it were much weaker, our planet would be devastated by cosmic radiation. If it were much stronger, we would be devastated by severe electromagnetic storms.
Earth’s place in the solar system. If we were much further from the sun, our planet’s water would freeze. If we were much closer, it would boil. This is just one of numerous examples of how our privileged place in the solar system allows for life on Earth.
Our solar system’s place in the galaxy. Once again, there are numerous examples of this. For instance, if our solar system were too close to the center of our galaxy, or to any of the spiral arms at its edge, or any cluster of stars, for that matter, our planet would be devastated by cosmic radiation.
The color of our sun. If the sun were much redder, on the one hand, or bluer, on the other, photosynthesis would be impeded. Photosynthesis is a natural biochemical process crucial to life on Earth.
The above list is by no means exhaustive. It is just a small sample of the many factors which must be just right in order for life to exist on Earth. We are very fortunate to live on a privileged planet in a privileged solar system in a privileged galaxy in a privileged universe.
The question for us now is, with so many universal constants and cosmological parameters defining our universe, and with so many possible variables for each one, how did they all just happen to fall within the extremely narrow range of values required for our existence? The general consensus is that we are either here by fortuitous luck against tremendous odds or by the purposeful design of an intelligent Agent.
Some proponents of the here-by-chance perspective have sought to level the odds against fortuitous luck by hypothesizing a scenario whereby our universe is just one among many in what has come to be termed a “multiverse.” This gives nature many more chances to “get it right,” bringing the odds against its success down significantly.
Imagine innumerable lifeless universes in which one or more of the necessary variables fail to fall within the specific range of values required for life. The idea is that nature would eventually get it right, and apparently has done so as evidenced by the fact that we exist (or so the argument goes). We are the lucky ones whose universe stumbled upon the right combination of cosmological values. The Anthropic Principle is often cited as empirical grounds for the otherwise mathematically hypothetical multiverse.
Intelligent Design theorists hail the Anthropic Principle as further evidence in support of their thesis that life was engineered by a transcendent Mastermind. Not only do biological systems bear the hallmarks of design (the information content of DNA, specified complexity, irreducible complexity, etc.), but the universe which supports and provides a context for life appears to have been designed as a means to that end.
Tags: H Wayne House, anthropic, existence, intelligent design, life, multiverse, universe
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Alex on
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Every known life form depends on water. Thankfully, unlike every other substance known to man, water’s solid form (ice) is less dense than its liquid form. This causes ice to float. If ice did not float, our planet would experience runaway freezing. Other important properties of water include its solvency, cohesiveness, adhesiveness and other thermal properties.
Dear Sir,
This is false. Gallium (among other elements) expands roughly 3ish percent when it solidifies. You and I both know that density is measured by the following formula:
density=(mass/volume)
In laymans terms, if you are getting an expansion (increase in volume) when something undergoes a phase change to a solid (freezes) then if the mass remains the same, the density of the solid must decrease because the value of the numerator is increasing (volume increases). -
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Permalink Reply by Jared Moon on -
I hate it when f***ing stupid use f***ing stupid "science" to justify their religious claims. This has been a favorite tactic among IDers in recent years, and has unfortunately been successful in convincing the unwashed masses that it is a valid argument because it has the guise of actual science.
The counter to these types of "scientific" arguments to IA come down to only 2 things. The first involves not only an obvious misunderstanding of science in general but also an underlying theological hypocrisy as well. This has to do with the concept of infinity.
Modern science tells us (through strong, empirical evidence) that we live in an infinitely massive expanding universe. One would think that a bunch of folks who believe in an infinitely powerful, infinitely knowledgeable, infinitely loving god would understand the concept of infinity. Yet somehow they cannot seem to apply the concept to the universe.
The fact is that the only claim that Mr. House actually uses is the same old rag that creationists always pull out, i.e. that stuff is complex, so god must have done it. Yet in an infinite universe the rules of probability tell us that not only is it certain that other worlds exist with the same conditions for "life," but that there are lots of them. The fact that we have not found evidence of them is hardly evidence to the contrary. Our window to the universe is pathetically small.
The second issue is that we must also challenge our concept of what constitutes "life." Arthur C. Clarke was noted for stating that when we did eventually discover extraterrestrial life that we would likely not recognize it as such because it would be so different from our own. Who says that life on other planets must be carbon based? That plants must use photosynthesis as we understand it? That water will be essential for organic processes? To suggest such when we have so little understanding of how life works on our own planet shows astounding arrogance and ignorance.
In short, Mr House has just put new tread on the old wheels of creationism. While he clothes his argument in the vestiges of science, it's all smoke and mirrors. He has presented nothing new to the argument, and in fact has shown astounding ignorance regarding science and the scientific process. Shame on him and those like him who claim to be religious but are constantly ignoring the core and defining foundation of religion: faith.
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Permalink Reply by Jack Bauer on -
You misunderstand faith.
But, even if you didn't, pissing off volatile atheists still makes it worthwhile.
JB -
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Permalink Reply by Liam S. on -
Isn't that the behavior you usually condemn when atheists say something deliberately provocative towards those with faith?
Just curious.
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Permalink Reply by Jack Bauer on
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Probably.
JB
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Permalink Reply by Chuck Knight on -
Not at all. There is a difference between provocative and disrespectful.
Provocative behavior is, by its definition, interesting.
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Permalink Reply by Liam S. on
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The fine line between provocative and disrespectful, is fairly subjective. For one, something may certainly be both disrespectful AND interesting.
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Permalink Reply by Titus Techera on -
Respect indeed holds no obvious monopoly on interest, or even serious interest.
To provoke means both what JB says & what you say. He means, I take it, to provoke thinking, which requires to think well. What you say requires no thinking. That is the difference. Unless thinking is inherently disrespectful...
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Permalink Reply by Jared Moon on
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I'm confused. Are you calling me an athiest? I never claimed such. Actually quite the contrary. However, I despise people who attempt to use science to justify their religious ends. The list of evils perpetrated in this manner is endless.
How do I misunderstand faith? I only mentioned it a single time as the fundamental principle of religion. I never expounded on it. Still, did I miss something? At what point did god say, THOU SHALT HAVE FAITH IN ME AND OBEY MY COMMANDMENTS. ALSO, THOU SHALT PROVE THY FAITH BY SHOWING I EXIST THROUGH SCIENCE. (God's emphasis, not mine)
I don't fault people for finding god in nature. However, people like Mr. House make a living supplanting faith with (bad) science. It would be one thing if they actually used science, but their arguments are always juvenile at best, disingenouos at worst. And, as I said before, their ONLY argument, no matter how they couch it, is "it's complex so god must have done it." I'm not saying he didn't, only that their "proof" is laughable.
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Permalink Reply by Jack Bauer on
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My misunderstanding. Your profanity-laden first line didn't strike me as coming from a believer. Most believers swear now and again ... in my expereince, few swear during a religious debate.
If you believe seeking evidence or explanations contradicts faith, you misunderstand faith. If you believe If you believe faith must be blind, you misunderstand faith. If you believe asking questions reveals a lack of faith, you misunderstand faith.
One can have faith and still seek answers. Science does not contradict faith.
JB
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