ABSTRACT

Modern cosmology tells us that the universe is remarkably 'fine-tuned' for life. If the constants of physics or the initial conditions at the Big Bang were different by the smallest of margins then the universe would have been dull and lifeless. Why should the universe be so accommodating to life? Many cosmologists believe that the existence of many universes can explain why ours is so special. In this book Rodney Holder subjects this 'multiverse' hypothesis to rigorous philosophical critique. A multitude of problems is exposed. Going substantially further than existing treatments, Holder argues that divine design is the best explanation for cosmic fine-tuning, specifically that design by God is a superior explanation in terms of both initial plausibility and explanatory power, and is therefore the most rational position to take on the basis of the cosmological data.

chapter 2|14 pages

The Origin and Evolution of the Universe

chapter 3|13 pages

Cosmic Fine-Tuning

chapter 4|27 pages

Avoiding the Inference of Design

chapter 6|25 pages

Comparing the Alternative Hypotheses

chapter 8|14 pages

Inflation to the Rescue?

chapter 10|6 pages

Conclusion