The following text is from a philosophy of religion article.
Fine-tuning arguments infer a cosmic designer from the precise physical constants required for complex life. Small variations in fundamental forces would preclude the existence of stars, planets, or carbon-based organisms. Defenders of design argue that chance explanation is implausible; critics invoke the anthropic principle or multiverse hypotheses as naturalistic alternatives. The debate intersects philosophy of probability, cosmology, and theology.
What is the primary purpose of the text?
To prove the existence of a cosmic designer through logical argument
To present an argument and naturalistic counterarguments
To explain the physics of fundamental forces in detail
To compare religious beliefs across different traditions
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. The text presents the fine-tuning argument and naturalistic alternatives (anthropic principle, multiverse).
- Evidence: The text presents the argument: "Fine-tuning arguments infer a cosmic designer from the precise physical constants required." It presents alternatives: "critics invoke the anthropic principle or multiverse hypotheses as naturalistic alternatives."
- Reasoning: The passage outlines a theistic argument and the scientific counter-proposals.
- Conclusion: The purpose is to present argument and alternatives.
💡 Strategy: Summarize: Constants are just right (Argument). Natural explanation (Alternatives).
Choice A is incorrect because the argument is presented with alternatives. Choice C is incorrect because physics isn't detailed. Choice D is incorrect because traditions aren't compared.