Here’s a thought experiment readers might find interesting.
Consider the following description of an entity:
- It cannot in principle be detected empirically.
- It might, nevertheless, exist.
- If it does exist, the scope of its explanatory power would be breathtaking in that it would explain quite literally everything except for its own existence.
- Even though it cannot be detected empirically, some people infer its existence based on their interpretation of actual observations.
- It has been invoked to explain the apparent “fine tuning of the cosmos” for the existence of life.
- It has been invoked to explain the origin of life on earth in the face of the extreme improbability that life would arise spontaneously.
- It has existential implications for many religious beliefs.
Now, choose the entity below that most closely fits the description:
A. The multiverse
B. God
C. Both of the above (i.e., the description fits both A and B perfectly).
Here is the interesting part. If you choose an answer other than “C” please state why you believe “C” is not the best answer.