1

The anthropic principle states that observations of the Universe must be compatible with the conscious and sapient life that observes it. Some people say that it explains why this universe has the age and the fundamental physical constants necessary to accommodate conscious life.

Are there any famous counters to this theory

Suggestions about texts and articles to read on the topic are welcome.

Improve this question
5
  • Wikipedia article on anthropic principle has a long section on criticisms of it, which includes a number of references. – Conifold Oct 30 '17 at 18:04
  • I would recommend The Cosmic Landscape: String Theory and the Illusion of Intelligent Design by Leonard Susskind. In this book he tackles the idea of anthropic principle. – Andrei Geanta Oct 30 '17 at 18:05
  • Have a look at this – Andrei Geanta Oct 30 '17 at 18:45
  • Any non-dualistic philosophy or science (i.e. that is not presupposing the old Cartesian divide of res extensa and res cogitans or material and consciousness) has to argue against an underlying Idealism á la pre-stabilisation (Leibniz, ontologising) or constructivism (neo-Kantians). Philosophy and science of life argues in this direction, being caught in methodological struggles I found most clearly worked out in Hellmuth Plessners "Die Stufen des Organischen und der Mensch" (The Levels of the Organic and the Human, translation available early 2018 - hopefully) – Philip Klöcking♦ Oct 30 '17 at 19:19
  • 1
    I don't think that there is any strong arguments against it, its more or less a tautology. – Mozibur Ullah Nov 3 '17 at 3:59

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.