The YK Problem (interim update)
I've previously made the argument that fixed and invariant laws of nature imply the intelligent design of the universe on a basic, sub-atomic level. Evolution by natural selection makes a billion beetles subtly (or wildly) different in a myriad of ways. Intelligent design makes a billion size 10-32 screws just about exactly alike. Or a billion helium-4 atoms.
But sometimes you have to re-examine beliefs in the light of new evidence. And it looks like the laws of nature may not be so eternal and invariant after all.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13816702/
If fundamental constants of physics aren't quite constant, and instead wobble over time (and maybe location) then they don't serve as evidence of an arbitrarily exact (and therefore designed) universe. Doesn't disprove the idea of a designed universe, but it's one less prop for it.
But sometimes you have to re-examine beliefs in the light of new evidence. And it looks like the laws of nature may not be so eternal and invariant after all.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13816702/
If fundamental constants of physics aren't quite constant, and instead wobble over time (and maybe location) then they don't serve as evidence of an arbitrarily exact (and therefore designed) universe. Doesn't disprove the idea of a designed universe, but it's one less prop for it.