From: mk_thisisit
The intersection of science and religion explores humanity’s understanding of existence, morality, and the universe. A debate hosted by Professor Krzysztof Zanussi discussed how science and physics relate to the existence or non-existence of God [00:00:19]. For Professor Zanussi, the existence of God is the “only question that is really important” [01:25:27], a theme explored in his cinematic works [03:05:43].
Belief, Knowledge, and the Divine
Participants in the debate expressed varied views on the existence of God:
- One asserts, “I know that God exists” [01:50:41], a strong conviction stated without doubt [02:01:20].
- Another cautiously states, “I suppose that God exists,” clarifying it as a matter of belief or faith, not knowledge [02:07:07].
- A third admits, “I do not know if God exists,” having not been convinced throughout a long life [03:03:03].
The concept of divinity is seen as universal across cultures and civilizations, suggesting it’s not exclusive to one faith [02:47:00].
Anthropic Principle and Fine-Tuning
A core argument connecting physics to the existence of God is the anthropic principle, or “anthropic regulation” [03:35:00]. This principle states that if the laws of nature—in physics, cosmology, and biology—were “only a little different than they really are in our universe, then life in the universe would be impossible” [07:35:00]. This precise “adjustment” or “fine-tuning” [01:06:06] of fundamental constants and laws is considered one of the greatest scientific facts understood [00:42:00], [08:54:00].
However, critics argue that this conclusion is unjustified:
- Physics has never presented evidence for God’s existence, nor is it its task [06:20:00].
- The idea that changing one law, like the speed of light, while keeping others constant, would make life impossible is questioned. It’s unknown where the laws of nature or the values of fundamental constants come from, or their interrelationships [10:19:00].
- The “many worlds” concept in theoretical physics suggests that our universe, with its life-enabling constants, could be a result of “pure statistics” and coincidence among countless universes with different laws [14:44:00].
Despite these differing views, the amazing order and precision of dimensionless quantities in the universe, which enable life, are acknowledged as “completely amazing” [12:50:00], [13:08:00].
The World: Material vs. Transcendental
A fundamental question arises: is the world only material, or is it transcendental? [17:39:00]
- No one knows this, and no one ever has [17:47:00].
- This is not merely a philosophical question but an important one for physics [17:53:00].
- If the world is transcendental, its influence might manifest in physical reality, for example, through anthropic regulation or the existence of human free will and consciousness [18:04:04].
Examples of transcendence or a reality beyond the material are offered:
- Literature: Allows experiencing many lives beyond our physiological limits [19:36:00].
- Mathematics: Most mathematicians are Platonists, believing mathematical objects and theorems exist objectively, even without referents in the material world [20:13:00]. This suggests an entry into a realm beyond the material, extrasensory, and experimental [20:56:00].
- Limited Human Cognition: Just as animals do not understand quantum mechanics, there might be levels of reality inaccessible to the human mind, not due to technological limits but due to inherent cognitive limitations [21:40:00]. This inaccessible realm can also be considered transcendence [22:21:00].
Free Will and Determinism
The concept of free will is deeply intertwined with the material vs. transcendental debate.
- Some physicists believe humans do not have free will [45:22:00].
- However, the legal system is based on the premise of free will and responsibility [42:19:00].
- One speaker strongly believes in free will based on personal experience, stating “I know that I have free will because I am doing experiments with it” [46:17:00], [47:58:00].
- Free will is seen as the ability to choose and act, independent of previous materialistic conditions, implying a transcendental element within us [45:38:00]. It is always present, even in prison, as the freedom to direct internal thoughts and feelings [57:31:00].
- Chance is not a denial of free will but a challenge that requires an individual to express their free will in response [57:56:00].
Science, Miracles, and Superstition
Astrology
Science, particularly physics, “completely contradicts astrology” [41:41:00]. Thorough tests show that astrologers’ predictions do not come true [28:56:00]. The Catholic Church has always considered belief in horoscopes a sin because it erodes free will [31:11:00]. Despite the global prevalence of the idea that birth time influences destiny, scientific evidence refutes it [55:40:00].
Miracles
The scientific approach to miracles is one of skepticism and statistical analysis:
- At Fatima, out of millions of visitors, only about 100 miracles have been scientifically confirmed [32:07:07]. These “miracles” are typically unlikely but medically possible events, subjectively considered miraculous if they occur during prayer [32:31:00].
- Contemporary theologians often avoid a strict definition of a miracle, focusing instead on whether it helps people believe [33:23:00].
- The “Nostradamus effect” explains how prophecies or prophetic dreams seem to come true: people forget predictions that don’t happen but strongly remember those that coincidentally do [55:56:00]. Statistically, with a large population, such coincidences are bound to occur [53:08:08].
From a physicist’s perspective, a recurring “miracle” (e.g., someone repeatedly jumping from a tower unharmed) would eventually be attributed to scientific understanding or a new physical law, rather than a supernatural event [58:58:00]. However, personal “miracles” (like meeting a life partner) are often experienced subjectively as divinely guided [01:00:03].
The Mystery of the Universe
The universe is described as “wonderfully mysterious” [43:47:00]. Despite scientific advancements, many fundamental questions remain unanswered, such as the material vs. transcendental nature of the world [01:04:02].
The Role of Religion in Scientific Development
Contrary to a common belief that religion hindered science, it’s argued that “religion was an obstacle to the development of science” [01:10:28].
- The rationality of God, as understood in medieval universities and monasteries, encouraged the study of the material world as a rational, divine creation [01:09:07].
- Historically, the Judeo-Christian tradition, among all world religions, led to a significant flowering of thought and the development of science [01:10:38].
- Universities, schools, libraries, and museums were all “religiously inspired” [01:12:00].
Ultimately, the universe’s incredible precision and accuracy, and the human ability to understand its laws, are considered profound [01:05:04], [01:05:08]. The question “why there is something and not nothing” remains a deep and perhaps unanswerable philosophical question [03:37:00].