Accidental Universe Summary

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In “The Accidental Universe”, Alan Lightman illustrates how the role of science has been explaining and reasoning the unknown by methods of fundamental causes and principles. However, physicists are taking a new approach and Lightman argues this classic role may be diminishing. Recent developments in cosmological findings have led premier physicists to accept a new theory, known as the Multiverse Theory. The multiverse theory proposes that our universe is only one of a nearly infinite number, all with varying unpredictable and uncalculable properties. This theory has confronted many physicists with decisions that challenge conventional wisdom and this “fork in the road” has the potential to radically change the modern day fundamental physics. Alan Guth, a cosmological pioneer, said, “The multiple-universe idea severely limits our hopes to understand the world from fundamental principles.” Lightman argues that we are living in a universe that is uncalculable, created by accident. Lightman argues this because of the principle of fine-tuning, miniscule changes account for the possibility of life. For example, out of all the possible amounts of dark matter, our universe contains the minute range which allows life. Due to this principle, Lightman views only to solutions as realistic explanations, intelligent design and the multiverse theory. Most modern day physicists favor the multiverse theory, due to a stronger scientifically backing. Our universe is only one of many, and by pure accident permits the emergence of life. There is little humans can do to prove their conjectures. Many physicist are deeply concerned because they must accept the truth that basic properties of our universe are accidental and uncalculable. Lightman illustrates how in both explanations require an element of faith, an element that many in the world of science try to
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