Stephen Hawking’s final theory attempts to address the problem of cosmological fine-tuning, which refers to the fact that the universe seems to be perfectly tuned for our existence. Hawking dismissed the multiverse as a solution to the problem of cosmological fine-tuning and instead proposed a top-down view of the universe, treating it as a quantum system described in terms of possibilities and probabilities. Hawking’s motivation for disliking the multiverse is built on the anthropic principle, which suggests that we should not be surprised to find ourselves in a universe that allows us to be here, but the definition of “typical” is a complicated topic.

The “fine-tuning” of the universe refers to the observation that the fundamental physical constants and parameters of the universe appear to be exquisitely fine-tuned to allow for the existence of life as we know it. The idea is that if any of these constants or parameters were even slightly different, the universe as we know it would not be able to support life.

Some examples of these finely-tuned constants and parameters include the strength of the gravitational force, the strength of the electromagnetic force, and the masses of the fundamental particles. For instance, if the gravitational force were slightly weaker, stars would not be able to form, and if it were slightly stronger, stars would burn out too quickly, making it difficult for life to develop.

The fine-tuning of the universe is often seen as a mystery or a puzzle, and some people have even suggested that it implies the existence of some kind of intelligent designer or creator. However, many scientists argue that it is not necessarily a sign of anything spooky or supernatural, but rather a consequence of the laws of physics themselves. In other words, the universe is the way it is because the laws of physics dictate that it must be that way.

Furthermore, some physicists suggest that the fine-tuning of the universe may be explained by the idea of the multiverse, which proposes that there may be many different universes with different physical constants and parameters, and we happen to live in the one that allows for life to exist. While this idea is still somewhat controversial, it is one possible way to explain the apparent fine-tuning of the universe without invoking the supernatural.

Physicist Thomas Hertog has written a book called “On the Origin of Time” which explores Stephen Hawking’s final theory, focusing on the problem of cosmological fine-tuning. Hawking’s theory aimed to explain why our universe is the way it is, rather than relying on the idea of a multiverse. Hertog, a former student, and collaborator of Hawking, explains that the universe seems to be tuned for our existence, and the more cosmologists study it, the more they realize it is fine-tuned. Hawking’s theory attempted to find an alternative solution to this mystery. The book discusses the history of modern cosmological ideas and the development of quantum mechanics. It also explores Hawking’s ideas on black holes and the state of the universe at the beginning, arguing that the density of stuff in the universe must have been infinite. Hawking disliked the idea of the multiverse, instead arguing that we should be typical of the possible observers who could inhabit the universes in the multiverse. Hawking’s theory involves a top-down view of the universe, treating the life of the universe as a quantum system, described in terms of possibilities and probabilities.

So what exactly IS going on with a bizarre Universe finely tuned for life as we know it?

The concept of fine-tuning refers to various features of the universe that must fall within a very narrow range of possible values for chemical-based life to be possible. These include cosmic constants, initial conditions and “brute facts”, and local planetary conditions. Some of the most widely accepted examples of fine-tuning include the gravitational force constant, electromagnetic force constant, strong nuclear force constant, weak nuclear force constant, and cosmological constant. Local factors include steady plate tectonics with the right kind of geological interior, the right amount of water in the crust, a large moon with the right rotation period, proper concentration of sulfur, and a low eccentricity orbit outside spin-orbit and giant planet resonances. The concept of fine-tuning raises the question of why such a universe exists, and there are well-established examples of fine-tuning even by scientists who are generally hostile to theism and design.

The high degree of fine-tuning raises the question of why a life-bearing universe exists and suggests the possibility of design or purpose.

Fine-tuning is not just limited to the fundamental constants and parameters of the universe. It also includes the initial conditions of the universe, such as its density, temperature, and distribution of matter and energy. These factors also appear to be finely tuned to allow for the existence of life. The fine-tuning of the universe is a topic of ongoing research and debate in the scientific community. While most scientists agree that the universe appears to be finely tuned, there is some disagreement about what this means and how to explain it.

Some physicists argue that the fine-tuning of the universe is not really a problem, but rather a natural consequence of the way the laws of physics work. They suggest that the laws of physics are “self-tuning,” meaning that they naturally lead to a universe that is hospitable to life. Others argue that the fine-tuning of the universe is evidence of some kind of intelligent design or creator. However, this idea is not widely accepted in the scientific community, as it is not testable or falsifiable.

While it’s impossible to know for sure what an alternate finely tuned universe might look like since we have no direct evidence of other universes beyond our own. However, some physicists have explored the idea of varying the fundamental constants of nature to see how the resulting universe might differ from our own. Here are a few possible examples:

If the strong nuclear force were stronger than it is in our universe, then the nuclei of atoms would be more stable, and it would be easier to build heavier elements. This could lead to a universe with more stars and planets.

If the electromagnetic force were weaker than it is in our universe, then atoms would not be stable, and chemical reactions would be much slower. This could lead to a universe that is less conducive to life.

If the cosmological constant (which determines the rate of expansion of the universe) were larger than it is in our universe, then the universe would expand at a faster rate. This could make it more difficult for galaxies and stars to form.

If the masses of the fundamental particles were different than they are in our universe, then the properties of matter would be different, which could have far-reaching effects on the structure and evolution of the universe.

The fact that the Moon appears to be just the right size and distance from Earth to create total solar and lunar eclipses is another example of the apparent fine-tuning of the universe. The Moon’s apparent size in the sky is very close to that of the Sun, which means that during a total solar eclipse, the Moon is able to block out the entire disk of the Sun, revealing the Sun’s corona. This is a rare and spectacular astronomical event that requires a very precise alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun.

Similarly, the Moon’s distance from Earth is such that during a total lunar eclipse, the Moon is able to pass through the Earth’s shadow and turn a deep red color, creating a beautiful and eerie sight in the night sky.

It’s not entirely clear why the Moon appears to be so well-suited for creating total solar and lunar eclipses. One possibility is that it is simply a coincidence, and the Moon’s size and distance from Earth are the result of natural processes and random chance. However, some people have suggested that it may be evidence of some kind of intelligent design or purpose behind the universe.

There are many other odd coincidences or examples of apparent fine-tuning in the universe that have been observed or proposed by scientists and philosophers. Here are a few examples:

The fact that Earth’s atmosphere contains just the right amount of oxygen to support complex life. Oxygen is a highly reactive gas that is easily consumed or oxidized, which means that it needs to be constantly replenished in order to maintain a breathable atmosphere. If the Earth’s atmosphere contained much more or much less oxygen than it does, it would not be able to support complex life as we know it.

The fact that Milky Way galaxy appears to be just the right size and shape to support the development of intelligent life. The Milky Way is a spiral galaxy that is relatively stable and long-lived, which has allowed it to produce the heavy elements necessary for life. It also contains many of the necessary ingredients for life, such as water and organic molecules.

The fact that laws of physics and chemistry appear to be finely tuned to allow for the existence of complex, self-replicating molecules like DNA. This is sometimes called the “carbon-based life” problem since carbon is the element that is most conducive to forming the kinds of chemical bonds necessary for life.

The fact that the universe appears to be “flat,” means that the geometry of space is neither positively nor negatively curved. This is a finely-tuned condition that is required in order for the universe to be homogeneous and isotropic on large scales, which is necessary for the formation of galaxies, stars, and planets.

While some people see the apparent fine-tuning of the universe as evidence of some kind of purpose or design behind the cosmos, others argue that it can be explained through natural processes and random chance. Regardless of the underlying explanation, there are many other examples of apparent coincidences or synchronicities in the universe that have captured the imagination of scientists and philosophers. Here are a few more odd examples:

The fact that the speed of light is exactly 299,792,458 meters per second is often seen as a strange coincidence since it is a fundamental constant that appears to be “built into” the fabric of the universe. Some people have suggested that it might be a fundamental limit to the speed of information transfer, while others argue that it could be a coincidence that emerges from the underlying structure of space and time.

The fact that the number of particles in the universe is roughly equal to the number of particles in the observable universe (estimated to be around 10^80 particles) is another strange coincidence. Some people have suggested that this could be evidence of a multiverse or a higher-dimensional reality, while others argue that it is simply a consequence of the laws of physics.

The fact that the number of protons in the universe is almost exactly equal to the number of electrons is another example of an odd coincidence. This balance of charge is necessary for the universe to be electrically neutral and stable, but it is not entirely clear why the universe appears to be in this state.

The fact that the geometry of the universe appears to be flat is another coincidence that has puzzled scientists. This flatness is necessary in order for the universe to be homogeneous and isotropic on large scales, but it is not clear why the geometry of the universe would be so finely-tuned.

While some people may see the apparent coincidences and synchronicities in the universe as evidence of a purposeful or intelligent design, such claims are not testable or falsifiable, and they fall outside the realm of science.

That being said, there are many different philosophical and spiritual perspectives on the nature of the universe and the apparent coincidences and synchronicities that we observe. Some people see these phenomena as evidence of a deeper spiritual or mystical reality, while others see them as evidence of a cosmic intelligence or creative force that underlies the universe.

For example, some religious traditions posit the existence of a divine creator or intelligent designer who is responsible for the fine-tuning of the universe. Some spiritual traditions see the universe as an interconnected web of energy and consciousness, where synchronicities and coincidences are seen as signs of deeper meaning and purpose.

Other theories that fall outside of traditional scientific explanations include the idea of a simulated reality, where the apparent fine-tuning of the universe is the result of deliberate programming or design. Some people have also proposed the idea of a “participatory universe,” where the observer plays an active role in shaping the reality that they experience.

To get even more weird let’s explore some more ‘out there’ theories.

The Anthropic Principle: The anthropic principle is a philosophical principle that suggests that the apparent fine-tuning of the universe is the result of selection bias. According to this principle, the universe appears to be finely tuned for life because if it were not, we would not be here to observe it. In other words, the fact that we exist as conscious observers in the universe means that the universe must be capable of supporting life.

Intelligent Design: The idea of intelligent design proposes that the apparent fine-tuning of the universe is evidence of a purposeful or intelligent creator. According to this theory, the universe is too complex and finely tuned to be the result of random chance and therefore must be the result of a conscious designer.

Simulation Theory: The idea of a simulated reality proposes that the universe is actually a computer simulation created by an advanced civilization. According to this theory, the apparent fine-tuning of the universe is the result of deliberate programming or design, rather than natural processes.

Astrology: Some people believe that the apparent coincidences and synchronicities in the universe are the result of celestial influences on human affairs. According to this theory, the positions and movements of the planets and stars can have a profound effect on human personality and destiny.

In the end of cosmic ends, you decide if there is something strange going on in the Universe.