Fine-tuning, multiple universes, and the "this universe" objection

Pacific Philosophical Quarterly 84 (1):67–83 (2003)
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Abstract

When it is suggested that the fine‐tuning of the universe for life provides evidence for a cosmic designer, the multiple‐universe hypothesis is often presented as an alternative. Some philosophers object that the multiple‐universe hypothesis fails to explain why this universe is fine‐tuned for life. We suggest the “This Universe” objection is no better than the “This Planet” objection. We also fault proponents of the “This Universe” objection for presupposing that we could not have existed in any other universe and that the values of the free parameters of the Universe could have been different. Lastly, we reflect on why fine‐tuning for life needs explaining.

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Neil A. Manson
University of Mississippi

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Quotation.Herman Cappelen, Ernest Lepore & Matthew McKeever - forthcoming - Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
Probability and Evidence.Paul Horwich - 1982 - Tijdschrift Voor Filosofie 47 (4):687-688.
Chance.F. P. Ramsey - forthcoming - Philosophical Papers. Dh Mellor. New York, Cambridge University Press.

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