Robin Collins
The constants of physics are fine-tuned for life: this is evidence of design.
Life
American philosopher (born 1961), professor at Messiah University in Pennsylvania, also trained in physics. He is one of the leading contemporary defenders of the fine-tuning argument: the constants of physics seem set to permit life, which would be far more probable if God exists than if there were only one undesigned universe.
Main works
Presents the fine-tuning of the universe as strong evidence for theism.
Extended version, with probabilistic reasoning and a reply to the many-universes hypothesis.
In his own words
« the fine-tuning is much, much more probable under the theism than under the atheistic single-universe hypothesis, so it counts as strong evidence for theism over this atheistic hypothesis. »
Positions
click a row to see the evidenceThe fine-tuning of the physical constants is better expected if God exists than on chance, so it supports theism.
Collins, 'The Teleological Argument: An Exploration of the Fine-Tuning of the Universe', in The Blackwell Companion to Natural Theology (2009)
He uses scientific and probabilistic reasoning to support belief in God, so faith and reason work together.
Collins, 'The Teleological Argument: An Exploration of the Fine-Tuning of the Universe', in The Blackwell Companion to Natural Theology (2009)