A Fortunate Universe
Life in a Finely Tuned Cosmos

An engaging defence and critique of the various arguments from both science and religion on the fine-tuning of the Universe.

Geraint F. Lewis (Author), Luke A. Barnes (Author), Brian Schmidt (Foreword by)

9781107156616, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 6 October 2016

388 pages, 49 b/w illus.
23.6 x 16 x 2.6 cm, 0.7 kg

'The tone is lively, and these authors are witty; their banter is appealing; and the indulgences are infrequent and always welcome. … Both authors of A Fortunate Universe are physicists and cosmologists, so they are in a position to avoid the scientific inaccuracies that weaken other attempts to explore the philosophical consequences of cosmic fine-tuning. On the other hand, it is rare to find physicists capable of avoiding even elementary errors in discussing the metaphysical implications of their work. But I can find at least no obvious misunderstandings in Lewis and Barnes's discussions of Aristotle or Boethius or Aquinas. Equally refreshing, they seem to have enough humility to recognize that philosophical investigations, like scientific investigations, do require a serious investment of time and study. … We may be approaching a new era in the relation between science and philosophy. Stranger things have happened in human history.' Tucker Landy, Interpretation

Over the last forty years, scientists have uncovered evidence that if the Universe had been forged with even slightly different properties, life as we know it - and life as we can imagine it - would be impossible. Join us on a journey through how we understand the Universe, from its most basic particles and forces, to planets, stars and galaxies, and back through cosmic history to the birth of the cosmos. Conflicting notions about our place in the Universe are defined, defended and critiqued from scientific, philosophical and religious viewpoints. The authors' engaging and witty style addresses what fine-tuning might mean for the future of physics and the search for the ultimate laws of nature. Tackling difficult questions and providing thought-provoking answers, this volumes challenges us to consider our place in the cosmos, regardless of our initial convictions.

Foreword Brian Schmidt
Preface
1. A conversation on fine-tuning
2. I'm only human!
3. Can you feel the force?
4. Energy and entropy
5. The Universe is expanding
6. All bets are off!
7. A dozen (or so) reactions to fine-tuning
8. A conversation continued
Further reading
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Cosmology & the universe [PGK], Popular science [PDZ], History of science [PDX], Philosophy of science [PDA]