On a classic episode of ID the Future, astrobiologist Guillermo Gonzalez, co-author of The Privileged Planet, begins a two-part conversation with host Casey Luskin by providing a rapid survey of some of the growing evidence that Earth is finely tuned in numerous ways to allow for life. He draws a helpful distinction between local fine-tuning and universal fine-tuning. And he tells us about the many extra-solar planets astronomers have discovered in recent years and how all that new data continues to undermine the misguided assumption (encouraged by the misnamed “Copernican principle”) that Earth is just a humdrum planet. Far from it, Gonzalez argues.
The conversation highlights Gonzalez’s essay in the open-access anthology Science and Faith in Dialogue. The book presents a cogent, compelling case for concordance between science and theism. In addition to chapters from Dr. Gonzalez and Dr. Luskin, the book also contains entries from other scientists and scholars in the intelligent design research community, including philosopher of science Stephen Meyer, Brazilian chemist Marcos Eberlin, historian of science Michael Keas, and physicist Brian Miller. The book is available as a free PDF download.
Download the podcast or listen to it here. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation.