Anthropic Explanation in Cosmology Cover Image

Wyjaśnianie antropiczne w kosmologii
Anthropic Explanation in Cosmology

Author(s): Józef Turek
Subject(s): Philosophy
Published by: Towarzystwo Naukowe KUL & Katolicki Uniwersytet Lubelski Jana Pawła II
Keywords: cosmic coincidences; Anthropic Principle; anthropic explanation

Summary/Abstract: The main purpose of this article is to present the essence and the role of anthropic explanation in cosmology. This explanation was proposed during the time when there was no further possibility of finding the explanation of cosmic coincidences on the ground of contemporary scientific theories. This explanation relies on the recognition of the fact of the existence of a carbon life in the Universe as a factor which explains the Universe’s global characteristics, which are a requisite for appearance of life. The explanatory value of this explanation depends on the character of relations of the connections between the cosmic coincidences and the fact of the existence of life. In the case of the Weak Anthropic Principle this explanation has a cha racter of simple tautology. In the case of the Strong Anthropic Principle, however, it is a philosophical explanation, whose cognitive value depends on both: the correctness of these principles and their logico-mathematical coherence with the cosmic coincidences.

  • Issue Year: 54/2006
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 267-298
  • Page Count: 32
  • Language: Polish