Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2005-04-30
Astron.Astrophys.Trans.23:567-597,2004
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
45 pages, 1 figure
Scientific paper
10.1080/10556790412331335327
The place of an anthropic argument in the discrimination between various cosmological models is to be reconsidered following the classic criticisms of Paul C. W. Davies and Frank J. Tipler. Different versions of the anthropic argument against cosmologies involving an infinite series of past events are analyzed and applied to several instructive instances. This is not only of historical significance but presents an important topic for the future of cosmological research if some of the contemporary inflationary models, particularly Linde's chaotic inflation, turn out to be correct. Cognitive importance of the anthropic principle(s) to the issue of extraterrestrial intelligent observers is reconsidered in this light and several related problems facing cosmologies with past temporal infinities are also clearly defined. This issue is not only a clear example of the epistemological significance of the anthropic principle, but also has consequences for such diverse topics as SETI studies, epistemological status of cosmological concepts, theory of observation selection effects, and history of astronomy.
No associations
LandOfFree
The Anthropic Principle and the Duration of the Cosmological Past does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with The Anthropic Principle and the Duration of the Cosmological Past, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Anthropic Principle and the Duration of the Cosmological Past will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-678758