The Argument from DesignRatio Christi at Texas A&M

Definitions

• Argument from Design: an argument for the existence of God based on a hypothesis of ultimate design

• Constant: a number that has a fixed value in a given situation or universally or that is characteristic of some substance or instrument

• Fine Tuning: surprising precision of nature’s physical constants and beginning state of the universe

Initial Conditions

If the explosion of the Big Bang had differed in strength by as little as one part in 10^60 the universe would have either quickly collapsed on itself or expanded too rapidly for stars to form.

Physical Constants1. If gravity was stronger or weaker by 1 part in 10^40, stars like the sun, which are necessary for life, would not exist.2. If the strong nuclear force had differed by just 5% life could not exist.

Common Objections

• Multiverse Theory• Anthropic Principle• Dependent Constants

Discussion

• Is fine tuning due to necessity? Why or why not?

• Can it be explained by chance? Why or why not?

• Is design a plausible explanation? Why or why not?