演讲提纲:Several of the central problems in particle physics and cosmology concern parameters that seem to be “fine-tuned” to be extremely close to special values.  There are two conventional ways to explain these fine-tunings: by dynamical mechanisms or by symmetry principles.  A third way has attracted increasing attention in recent years, namely the idea of “anthropic fine tuning”.  According to this idea, parameters must take special values if organic life is to be possible.  Logically, anthropic fine-tuning can be the result of the universe having a “multiverse structure”, or of divine choice in favor of a life-bearing universe.  Anthropic arguments can also be invoked to explain qualitative or gross quantitative features of the laws of physics that do not qualify as fine-tunings.

主讲：Stephen M. Barr，美国特拉华大学天文物理系教授。

主持：人文学院哲学系王晓朝教授