Abstract:
The usage of the anthropic principle in
modern cosmology
is
reviewed. It is argued that its recent use to
explain the
observedvalues of cosmological parameters as
most probable
values for an ensemble of universes, is not
justified.
However, the anthropic principle can be
invoked to argue
that a vast number of universes must exist,
in which the
cosmological parameters and constants of
nature take on
different values. This argument lends support
to the
hypothesis of eternal inflation and suggests
that at least
some of the parameters of the Standard Model
cannot be
quantitatively derived from an underlying theory.
Duke University * Arts & Sciences * Physics * Faculty * Staff * Grad * Researchers * Reload * Login
Copyright (c) 2001-2002 by Duke University Physics.