WAS THE UNIVERSE DESIGNED?

Is it possible for a scientist to believe that the Universe was designed? Or would belief in its superintelligent design cripple a scientist in his or her work?

Many scientists argue vehemently against the notion of a "designer" and a "supernatural design". But before we go too far, let us merely observe that the best designs occur when the preconditions are set so skilfully that everything else falls into place. Many scientists would argue equally vehemently that the Universe is the way it is because the laws of physics have ordained it this way.

Professor Owen Gingerich, from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, and fresh from the recent Festival of Ideas in Adelaide, will explore these ideas at a UNSW Physics Colloquium tomorrow. The colloquium is free and the public may attend.

Professor Gingerich is also Professor of the History of Science at Harvard University. His interests range from a recomputation of an ancient Babylonian mathematical table to the interpretation of stellar spectra and detailed studies of the Sun's atmosphere.
He is also an authority on earlier astronomers Johannes Kepler and Nicholas Copernicus. He has been vice-president of the American Philosophical Society. He has an asteroid named after him and, with all this and much more behind him, it is no surprise he is an entertaining speaker.

So, were the laws of physics laid out so well it is impossible to argue against the proposition that they were "designed"? Or did they "just happen"?

Scientists are not very comfortable with the idea of events "just happening". Nor are they keen on the alternative. Did neither happen?

It depends on what you mean by design. Professor Gingerich will take you on a one-hour tour of these ideas. Please RSVP to Rory McGuire on 0413 930 728 if you wish to attend.

WHAT: "Dare a Scientist Believe in Design?": a Physics Colloquium by Professor Owen Gingerich
WHEN: 3.45 to 5pm, Thursday 19 July
WHERE: Staff Common Room, ground floor, Physics (Old Main) Building, UNSW; enter via Gate 14, Barker St, Randwick. Physics Building is straight ahead, across lawn, please turn right and park in multistorey carpark.
For further information contact Professor Robert Stening on 9385 4584 or Rory McGuire on 9385 5751 or 0413 930 728

Date issued: 18 July 2001