Chapter 12: A Designer's Planet

This chapter lays out evidence for the Anthropic principle (i.e., the idea that the universe is fine-tuned for human life). The evidence given is the infinitesimally small probability that our universe would arise by chance given the conditions necessary for life. One astronomer estimated this odds to the order of 10^229. There are three views or approaches to this data, according to D'Souza: Lucky Us, Multiple Universes, & The Designer Universe.

Proponents of the "Lucky Us" approach believe that of course we had the appropriate settings for the universe for life or else we would not be around to observe it. In other words, we are here, therefore the odds were in our favor. John Leslie has a response to this sort of error that D'Souza draws upon. If a man is about to be executed and the ten rifles fire and miss then fire and miss again, the man is not warranted in saying "of course they missed, or else I wouldn't still be here."

The Multiple Universe supporters believe that there are an infinite number of possible universe, therefore by pure number of chances eventually one would support life. However, this view has difficulties of its own. First off, there is no evidence for multiple universes. Second, if there were, there would be no way to observe them. Third, this theory fails to meet Occam's Razor. Lastly, and most problematic for those who are trying to escape theist implications, if there are multiple universes, one no longer has footing to deny hell, heaven, or a whole host of other similar phenomena.

After examining these three positions, D'Souza concludes that the Designer Universe hypothesis is best supported by the evidence. The universe is fine-tuned for life. We should not understimate the extremely unlikely odds that the universe arose by chance. The multiple universe hypothesis is not supported by evidence and fails Occam's Razor. This argument can best be considered inductive and does not tell us about the creator, only that he would have to be incredibly powerful and wise.