Also called the “principle of mediocrity,” according to which there must be 30 billion Earth-like planets (did we say 30b? Make it 40b for rounding convenience).
Here:
Thus many see the significance of the Copernican theory as summed up in what is called the “Copernican Principle” or sometimes the “Principle of Mediocrity”: the claim that there is nothing special about our Earth, and by extension, nothing special about its inhabitants.
We, however, suggest the surprising conclusion that a number of important scientific results indicate that our great-grandchildren may live in a world where the “Copernican Principle” has been consigned to the dustbin. In their world Earth will be understood to be special indeed, possibly even unique, swimming in a vast alien universe that speaks to them about Earth’s specialness.
Moreover, in this universe they will still recognize the universe that many early Copernicans originally envisioned. For although the first Copernicans did see the Earth as orbiting the sun, most viewed the sun and solar system as being unique within a vast and alien cosmos of strange bodies that had little in common with the Earth, the sun and the solar system — a cosmos that spoke to Earth’s inhabitants of the power of God.
So we don’t owe anyone a living except God? Oh, wait. Unlike the profs proclaiming the Copernican Principle, he doesn’t need a salary or tenure … ?
Hat tip: Stephanie West Allen at Brains on Purpose