Do cosmological constants appear finely tuned to allow life on Earth, as recognized by even atheists?

• A. False
• B. True
• C. Not mentioned
• D. Not sure

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is that the fundamental constants of the universe appear finely tuned to permit life, and that this observation is noted even by people who do not believe in a deity. In cosmology, a small set of constants, like the cosmological constant (which sets the rate of cosmic expansion) and other parameters that govern forces and particle interactions, must fall within a surprisingly narrow range for complex chemistry and structures like galaxies to form. If these values were a bit different, stars, planets, and the long-lived chemistry needed for life could be impossible.

Many scientists who are atheists acknowledge this fine-tuning as a real feature of our universe. They may offer natural explanations such as the multiverse or selection effects without invoking design, but the basic point that the observed constants sit in a life-permitting window is widely recognized. So the statement is true: cosmological constants do appear finely tuned to allow life, and this recognition extends beyond theists to many atheists as well.