The Return of the God Hypothesis | Stephen C. Meyer
Sep 27, 2018
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Dr. Meyer explains how biology reveals evidence of design, but other scientific fields are needed to identify the source of that design. Topics discussed include cosmological arguments, the Big Bang Theory, multiverse theories, fine-tuning parameters of the universe, encounters with an atheist cosmologist in a debate, and the return of the God hypothesis.
Physics and cosmology provide evidence for a transcendent source of intelligence responsible for the fine-tuning of the universe's parameters.
The multiverse theory lacks scientific evidence and requires its own prior fine-tuning, pointing towards theism as the best explanation for the fine-tuning in physics and biology.
Deep dives
The Evidence of Intelligent Design in the Universe's Origins
The podcast episode explores the impact of the Big Bang Theory and Einstein's general theory of relativity on arguments against the existence of God. The discovery that the universe had a beginning challenged the notion of an eternal and self-existent universe, suggesting the need for a creator beyond itself. The evidence from physics and cosmology points to a transcendent source of intelligence, indicating the presence of a designing intelligence responsible for the fine-tuning of the universe's parameters.
The Difference Between Cosmological and Design Arguments for God's Existence
The podcast discusses the distinction between cosmological and design arguments. The cosmological argument, specifically the Kalam cosmological argument, posits that the universe must have a cause separate from itself. In the past, there were philosophical doubts about the universe's beginning, but the theories of general relativity and the Big Bang provided evidence for a definite beginning. On the other hand, the design argument focuses on the fine-tuning of the universe's fundamental forces and parameters, suggesting the need for a transcendent intelligence more advanced than any entity within the cosmos.
The Challenges of the Multiverse Theory and the Conclusion of Theistic Design
The podcast delves into the multiverse theory, which proposes the existence of multiple universes, including life-friendly ones, to explain the fine-tuning of our own universe. However, this theory lacks scientific evidence and requires prior fine-tuning itself. Furthermore, there are philosophical doubts about causal connections between different universes. Ultimately, the evidence from fine-tuning in both physics and biology points towards theistic design, indicating a designing intelligence that acts both at the beginning and throughout the unfolding of life's history in the universe.
Biology reveals evidence of design, Dr. Meyer explains in this conversation with Michael, but it can’t take us very far in identifying the source of that design. Proponents of intelligent design have been clear about that. For an idea about who or what the designer might be, you need to turn to other scientific fields — physics and cosmology — that consider the ultra-finely tuned laws that permit a livable planet in the first place. The awesome design extends from the origin of the universe, down to the tiniest particles. Drawing from physics and cosmology, Meyer sketches the evidence for theism.
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