Definitions
Anthropic
principle: In
science, the idea that the universe is the way it is because if it were different
we would not be here to observe it. The principle arises from the observation
that if the laws of science were even slightly different, it would have been
impossible for intelligent life to evolve. For example, if the electric charge
on the electron were only slightly different, stars would have been unable to
burn hydrogen and produce the chemical elements that make up our bodies. Scientists
are undecided whether the principle is an insight into the nature of the universe
or a piece of circular reasoning.
The
Complete Reference Encyclopedia. (Helicon Publishing 1993). Page 37.
Return
to Miscellaneous Reactions and Comments page or Return
to Home Page