title: A universe with no designer.
abstract: Does the universe shows signs of having been designed by a deity like those of traditional monotheistic religions? Physics is in a better position than religion to give a partly satisfying explanation of the world. Recent developments in cosmology help explain why the measured values of the cosmological constant and other physical constants are favorable for the appearance of intelligent life. The presence of evil and misery disturbs those who believe in a benevolent and omnipotent God. It is not necessary to argue that evil in the world proves that the universe is not designed, but only that there are no signs of benevolence that might have shown the hand of a designer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, University of Texas-Austin, 78712-1081, USA. weinberg@physics.utexas.edu
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Weinberg
mesh_terms: D005118:Extraterrestrial Environment; D055585:Physical Phenomena; D010825:Physics; D028725:Theology