God, Fine-tuning and the Multiverse

The multiverse hypothesis does not significantly undermine the fine-tuning argument for God's existence when assessed with Bayesian confirmation theory, but traditional Abrahamic theism fares no better under the same framework. Pantheism, interpreted through integrated information theory, offers a more promising explanation for the universe's fine-tuning for life. Panpsychism follows from pantheism, and an evolving universal consciousness with intrinsic causal power maintains the fundamental constants to enable continuity of this consciousness. This self-preservation objective has causal implications for life's existence, as these constants are also conducive for life. The existence of these constants increases the likelihood of a pantheistic god, providing an explanation for life's existence and continuity without a creation teleology.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This paper examines the multiverse hypothesis as a proposed challenge to the fine-tuning argument for the existence of God. Using Bayesian confirmation theory, it argues that the multiverse does not significantly undermine fine-tuning. However, when the fine-tuning argument is assessed within the same Bayesian framework, traditional Abrahamic theism fares no better. The paper then proposes that pantheism, interpreted through integrated information theory, offers a more promising explanation of why the universe is finely tuned for life. Indeed, panpsychism follows from pantheism, and an evolving universal consciousness with intrinsic causal power is, for the pantheist, a consequence. Such causal power maintains the fundamental constants of the universe to enable continuity of this consciousness. This self-preservation objective has causal implications for the existence of life, as these fundamental constants are also conducive for life in the universe. Moreover, the very existence of these fundamental constants increases the likelihood of a pantheistic god. Though not a creation teleology, this pantheistic perspective provides an explanation for the existence and continuity of life in the universe.