Page "Teleological argument" Paragraph 25

A modern variation of the teleological argument is built upon the concept of the fine-tuned Universe.

The fine-tuning of the Universe is the apparent delicate balance of conditions necessary for human life.

In this view, speculation about a vast range of possible conditions in which life cannot exist is used to explore the probability of conditions in which life can and does exist.

In terms of a teleological argument, the intuition in relation to a fine-tuned universe would be that God must have been responsible, if achieving such perfect conditions is so improbable.

In regard to fine-tuning, Kenneth Himma writes: " The mere fact that it is enormously improbable that an event occurred ... by itself, gives us no reason to think that it occurred by design … As intuitively tempting as it may be ...” Himma attributes the “ Argument from Suspicious Improbabilities ”, a formalization of “ the fine-tuning intuition ” to George N. Schlesinger: To understand Schlesinger ’ s argument, consider your reaction to two different events.

If John wins a 1-in-1, 000, 000, 000 lottery game, you would not immediately be tempted to think that John ( or someone acting on his behalf ) cheated.

If, however, John won three consecutive 1-in-1, 000 lotteries, you would immediately be tempted to think that John ( or someone acting on his behalf ) cheated.

Schlesinger believes that the intuitive reaction to these two scenarios is epistemically justified.

The structure of the latter event is such that it … justifies a belief that intelligent design is the cause … Despite the fact that the probability of winning three consecutive 1-in-1, 000 games is exactly the same as the probability of winning one 1-in-1, 000, 000, 000 game, the former event … warrants an inference of intelligent design.