Monday, February 28, 2005

Improbable, so what?

DISCLAIMER: The idea expressed below was going through my head and I just needed to write it down somewhere. I admit that I’m just a hack at this and am much more poorly read than I should be. Please ignore if it hurts your head or seems too amateurish.

A number of recent astronomical observations have revealed how precisely balanced the universe is. Any small change in the creation of the universe and either things would have collapsed on themselves or conversely dissipated preventing complex matter, and hence life, from ever being able to form.

Some take this “unique” result as evidence of a supreme being.

I am troubled by this conclusion.

Hypothesis: The improbability of the universe’s configuration does not necessarily indicate the existence of a “Creator”

Assumptions:
1) Quantum effects, specifically probability amplitude related, in the early universe had a large role in determining the eventual composition (N.B. My understanding of the early U. is seriously lacking)
2) The multiple universes theory is correct.

Given 1) an infinite number of universes are possible

Given 2) ALL possible universes were created, however improbable

Evidence: This universe exists. Therefore it is possible, and hence created.

Thus, given 1) and 2), the universe’s improbable composition does not give credence to the existence of a “Creator” Q.E.D.

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