#4298

Mentioned in 8 episodes

Just six numbers

The Deep Forces That Shape the Universe

Book • 2000

In 'Just Six Numbers,' Martin J. Rees discusses six cosmic numbers (N, epsilon, omega, lambda, Q, and D) that are crucial for the universe's structure and the emergence of life.

These numbers, defined during the Big Bang, govern the universe's shape, size, and texture.

Rees explains how slight changes in these numbers would make life as we know it impossible.

He considers the fine-tuning of these parameters and discusses the multiverse hypothesis as a possible explanation for their values, although he acknowledges that science cannot fully explain this fine-tuning.

Mentioned by

Michael Shermer

Richard Dawkins

Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

Rabbi Aaron Zimmer

Mentioned in 8 episodes

Mentioned by

Michael Shermer

as Martin Rees's book that led

Charles Murray

to believe the universe is intentional.

Charles Murray: Why I'm Taking Religion Seriously

Recommended by

Charles Murray

as a good entry point for listeners wanting to look into the anthropic principle.

More Than Evolution Requires | Interview: Charles Murray

Mentioned by

Michael Shermer

as one of Martin Rees's many best-selling popular science books.

Are We Alone? Martin Rees on Aliens, The Fermi Paradox & The Fate of Humanity

Mentioned by

Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

as a book illustrating the improbability of the universe.

#455: Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks on Powerful Books, Mystics, Richard Dawkins, and the Dangers of Safe Spaces

Mentioned by

Richard Dawkins

when discussing the fine-tuning of the universe.

Richard Dawkins DESTROYS Creationist Arguments

Mentioned by

Don Carson

when discussing the complexity of the universe.

The God Who Made Everything (Genesis 1–2)

Mentioned by

Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

after a conversation on religion and science at Cambridge.

The Architecture of Holiness (Rabbi Sacks on Terumah, Covenant & Conversation)

Mentioned by

Michael Shermer

when discussing the fine-tuning problem and Martin Rees' book 'Just Six Numbers'.

From the Big Bang to God: The Universe's Biggest Mysteries

Mentioned by

Charles Murray

, it led him to consider the anthropic principle.

Charles Murray: I Thought Religion Was Irrelevant to Me. I Was Wrong.

Mentioned by

Charles Murray

as a book that had a major inflection point in the early 2000s for him.

Charles Murray On Taking Religion Seriously

Mentioned by

Rabbi Aaron Zimmer

as a book that discusses six numbers and the multiverse.

Fine-Tuning and the Multiverse

Mentioned by

Charles Murray

as a book that explores the anthropic principle and influenced his views.

Why Religion Should Be A Central Part Of Your Life | Charles Murray

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