1. The Argument from Design Ratio Christi at Texas A&M

2. Definitions Argument from Design: an argument for the existence of God based on a hypothesis of ultimate design Constant: a number that has a fixed value in a given situation or universally or that is characteristic of some substance or instrument Fine Tuning: surprising precision of nature’s physical constants and beginning state of the universe

3. Initial Conditions If the explosion of the Big Bang had differed in strength by as little as one part in 10^60 the universe would have either quickly collapsed on itself or expanded too rapidly for stars to form.

4. Physical Constants 1. If gravity was stronger or weaker by 1 part in 10^40, stars like the sun, which are necessary for life, would not exist. 2. If the strong nuclear force had differed by just 5% life could not exist.

5. Common Objections Multiverse Theory Anthropic Principle Dependent Constants

6. Discussion Is fine tuning due to necessity? Why or why not? Can it be explained by chance? Why or why not? Is design a plausible explanation? Why or why not?