Exploration of Anthropic Principle as Theistic Argument: A Study in Christian Thought and Science
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Date
2018
Authors
Ogunade, Raymond
Olusanya, K. J.
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Kabianga: Division of Planning, Research & Development.
Abstract
There have been conscious and systematized attempts to establish the existence of God as far back as the 4th century BC. This attempt is tagged theistic arguments; arguments for the existence of God. This paper is another in the series of attempts at engaging in discourses about the existence of God. The focus of this paper is to establish the legitimacy and appropriateness of using insights from the natural sciences in the formulation of theistic arguments. This paper specifically examined the concept of anthropic principle, which connotes that the fundamental parameters and properties of the universe, as described in physics, cosmology and other areas of natural science, fall within precise values and satisfied the narrow requirements needed for life to have emerged in the Universe, thereby raising the question of ultimate causation.
A qualitative approach to research was employed in this paper. Literatures on the concept of anthropic principle were consulted and analysed.
The study revealed that chance, necessity, multiverse, and design are explanations for anthropic principle. In view of the weaknesses and inadequacy of the first three, it was argued that design is an appropriate explanation for anthropic principle; and where there is design, it makes sense to postulate a designer. The designer, however, may not necessarily fit in into the traditional description of the Christian God. The broad implication of this is that natural science can, at least, point beyond naturalism, thereby corroborating the idea that dialogue between Christian faith and science can enrich human epistemic commitments.
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Keywords
Anthropic exploration, Theistic Argument, Christian Thought, Science