The anthropic principle and many-worlds cosmologies

Abstract

There are many possible worlds that are unsuitable for human life, and only a few that are suitable. Why, against all odds, is one of the latter worlds the actual one? Instead of explaining this remarkable fact by having recourse to a benevolent creator, some contemporary cosmologists explain it away by arguing that all possible worlds are actual. In support of their conclusion they introduce considerations based on the anthropic principle. Everett’s many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics, and certain definitions of life. The arguments of these cosmologists are examined and found insufficient to warrant the conclusion that all possible worlds are actual.