36th week: Fine-tuning of certain higher-level features of the universe
Dear All,
Got my two-drug chemo on Wednesday although my red cell counts are still inching down slowly. Nausea and fatigue have been in line with past experience. However, the severe diarrhea experienced in the previous cycles is missing this time. Needless to say, it is a much welcome relief. If all goes as usual, I should bounce back before Monday. I have not been able to gain back much weight, although eating has been ok under the circumstances. The wound healing has been slowed down by the chemo. Following the surgeon’s recommendation, it is now being irrigated every other day during dressing changes. Hopefully, with the help of the machine, the healing will continue.
Fine-tuning of certain higher-level features of the universe:
Romans 1: 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal
power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
When one looks at the universe, it is almost impossible not to be awed by its wonder, beauty, elegance and mystery. As we learn more about it, it is natural to ask the following question: How can the universe possibly have obtained the unique set of physical properties it has, so exquisitely fine-tuned for life as they are, except by a purposeful design—design with life and perhaps humanity in mind (Swinburne 1998, Ellis 1993, Ross 1995)?
We looked at examples of the fine-tuning of physical laws, physical constants and initial conditions last week. This time, we will look at examples of the fine-tuning of certain higher-level features of the universe, starting with various properties of the chemical elements.
Under atmospheric pressure, water has a solid state that is less dense than its liquid state. Hence, ice floats on water, and water bodies freeze from top to bottom to provide marine creatures a sanctuary even in extreme frigidity. (Otherwise, ice would sink to the bottom where it would remain in the deep until eventually, all oceans and lakes would be solidly frozen.)
Carbon is a very special element because it plays a dominant role in the chemistry of life. Each carbon atom can share electrons with up to four different atoms, and thus allows carbon to form many different compounds (including organic compounds) of varying size, shape and chemical properties. It is found in the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the cosmetics we use and the gasoline that fuels our car.
CO2 has the property, unique among gases, of having, at ordinary temperatures, about the same concentration of molecules per unit volume in water as in air. This makes it available everywhere for photosynthesis and thereby for molecular synthesis.
It was shown by G. J. Whitrow in 1955 that intelligent life would be impossible except in a universe of three basic dimensions. When formulated in three dimensions, mathematical physics possesses many unique properties which are necessary prerequisites for the existence of rational information-processing observers like ourselves. Moreover, dimensionality plays a key role in determining the form of the laws of physics and in fashioning the roles played by the constants of nature. For example, it is due to its basic three-dimensionality that the world possesses the chemistry that it does, which furnishes some key conditions necessary for the existence of life.
There are various conditions present in galaxies, near stars and on planets, which support or limit the possibility of life. Regarding galaxies, these conditions include galaxy size, type, location, mass distribution, galaxy-cluster density, etc. Take galaxy-cluster density as an example. A galaxy usually occurs within a cluster. If these clusters are too dense, galaxy collisions (or mergers) would disturb solar orbits too much for living organisms to survive. But if galaxy-clusters are too sparse, there would not be enough gas infusion to maintain star-formation long enough to bring about life-sustaining conditions. Regarding stars, the conditions for life include star nearness to galactic center, star’s age, mass, metallicity, rotation rate, etc. (In the interest of time, please refer to http://www.geocities.com/worldview_3/etlifeprobability.html for more details.)
Our own planet, earth, has several fine-tuned properties to support life. Its location in the solar system allows water to exist in all three phases. The liquid form of water is essential for life. Water’s gaseous phase is an important part of the water cycle. The earth (and its gravity) is large enough to hold an atmosphere that provides both the air we breathe and the protection we require against radiation (the ozone). However, the earth is not so large that it has an atmosphere mainly consisting of non-life supporting gases such as hydrogen. The earth has an almost circular orbit about the sun so that it does not go through extreme temperatures for much of its orbit. The earth has a liquid core that produces a magnetic field to protect its surface from charged particles (radiation) in the solar wind. Its surface is rocky and solid instead of gaseous to provide stable footing for infrastructures and living beings.
May this find you and your loved ones in good spirit and health.
