The Design Argument: Fine Tuning

Question 1

Fine Tuning: context

Answer 1

uses modern science to argue the universe seems finely tuned to the allows the existence of life

Question 2

Fine Tuning: Key Claim

Answer 2

the physical constants of the universe (eg gravity, the strong nuclear force) are set at values so precisely, that if they changed slightly life could not happen The probability of this happening is so slim, there must be a designer to explain the intentional fine tuning of these constants

Question 3

Fine Tuning: structured argument

Answer 3

The universe contains fundemtnal constants (eg gravity or the speed of light)These constants fall within a very narrow life permitting range The probability of them all being within range by chance is extremely low Therfore there must be deliberately designed this way by an itellegent designer

Question 4

Fine Tuning: Probabilistic Reasoning

Answer 4

it is statistically more likely that a designer explains fine tuning instead of chance

Question 5

Fine Tuning: Swinburne’s Regularity of Co-Presence

Answer 5

Patterns or orders of things exists at the same tie Eg the earth, atmosphere and gravity interacting simultaneously Eg the structure of atoms: protons neutrons and electrons arranged in a regular wayThese features are not chaotic and are consistently arranged in ordered ways, which seems improbably without a designer

Question 6

Fine Tuning: Swinburne’s Regularity of Succession

Answer 6

patterns in how thinsg change over timeEg the way the sun rises and sets every day Eg the laws of physics These consistent patterns shows the universe follows discoverable laws, rather than acting randomly

Question 7

Fine Tuning: Swinburne what’s the point

Answer 7

Both arguments could easily not exists -> they are contingent The fact they do exists is unlikely Therefore, the world must have been designed by an intelligent being

Question 8

Fine Tuning: strengths

Answer 8

based on scientific evidence: physics Appeal to probability and rational inference Suggests a designer behind not just life, but the whole universe

Question 9

Fine Tuning: Criticisms

Answer 9

doesn’t prove god of classical theism Critics argue that god is used to plug the gaps of science we dont know Anthropic principle: we observe fine tuning because only a fine tuned universe can exist