Chapter 12 - Cosmic Design and Evolution

Question 1

Designer universe

Answer 1

Complexity of cosmos possible because subatomic particles can combine into stable atoms with just the right energy levels
Matter accounts for one bilionth of energy of universe but is exactly what is needed to permit evolution
If force binding atomic nuclei were weaker, stars couldn’t shine, and if stronger, stars would inflate/explode
If neutron wasn’t heaver than proton, stars would burn out in few hundred years
If electric charges of electron and proton didn’t balance, matter would be unstable and universe would only be radiation and gas
If electric charge of electron had slight difference, stars would be unable to burn hydrogen and helium or explode
Rapid inflation of early universe lasted just long enough to produce universe with stars and galaxies; too short and it would have collapsed, too long and it would have spread stuff too thinly for gravity to work

Question 2

Anthropic Principle

Answer 2

We see the universe the way it is because we exist, implies purpose
Weak - conditions for life are likely to occur
Strong - universe designed to produce intelligent life and evolution has been guided by purpose
Final - Must be reason for universe to be designed to suit intelligent life and would be reflected in lives of sentient beings

Question 3

Cosmic evolution

Answer 3

Baby universes may be born from existing one, linked by black hole; eventually black hole would evaporate and young universe would become independent of parent - every black hole may be seed of new universe
- law of physics must vary slightly
- larger the universe, greater number of black holes it creates
If laws of nature aren’t consistent, universe will self destruct

Question 4

Black hole

Answer 4

Object so dense that light can’t escape gravitational field, created when stars die and collapse inwards
May act as tunnels, connecting to an infinite sequence of universes

Question 5

Psi-field hypothesis

Answer 5

If laws of nature are eternal, preceding space and time, values of physical constants must be defined at big bang. If laws of nature are habits, constants can emerge within developing cosmos by evolution.
Endless sequence of expansion and contraction, experience becomes imprinted in psi field of vacuum, helping to guide subsequent cycles - universe learns and evolves from cycle to cycle, refining laws and constants to produce more structures and ultimately sentient life
Recent researched based on string theory suggests info could be passed through big bang
Cosmic evolution by learning

Question 6

Multiple universe model

Answer 6

Laws of physics act like genes, passing on characteristics from parents to offspring, which mutate and reproduce, determining form of universes; cosmic evolution appears to have pursued goal of producing our universe but there may be alternative reproducing forms