Please join us for a lecture and discussion by guest speaker Dr. Neil A. Manson:
God, Fine-tuning, and the Multiverse: A Short Philosophical Introduction
Lecture Topic: Many theologians, philosophers, and even physicists today say the fine-tuning of the universe for life shows God designed the world. Fine-tuning refers to the fact that, if the fundamental constants of physics had been even slightly different, life could not have existed anywhere in the universe. In this session, Manson will explain what fine-tuning is and how, exactly, fine-tuning is supposed to show that God designed the universe. He will also present and discuss several objections to this fine-tuning design argument, including the idea that there is a vast multitude of other universes, making it likely some universe or other is just right for life.
Speaker Bio: Neil A. Manson is an associate professor of philosophy at the University of Mississippi (U.S.A.). His central research interests concern the intersection of philosophy of religion, philosophy of science, and metaphysics. His research focus is the Design Argument for the existence of God. In addition to editing the anthology God and Design: The Teleological Argument and Modern Science (Routledge, 2003), he has authored numerous articles on the topic. He also co-edited (with Robert Barnard) The Continuum Companion to Metaphysics (Continuum, 2012) and has authored several articles in environmental philosophy. He holds B.A. degrees in both English and Philosophy from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Syracuse University.
Presented as part of the lecture series and graduate seminar:
2015 Advanced Seminar in Religion and Science