Articles
This page contains book articles I have written during my time at Biola University (La Miranda CA, USA), where I do the Master of Science and Religion program.
The Fine-Tuning Argument & the Many Worlds Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics
Abstract
Scientist have discovered that some of the fundamental aspects of nature are to be fine-tuned for the existence of life – especially for the existence of intelligent life. Based on these discoveries the so-called Fine-Tuning Argument (FTA) has been established, which according to its proponents shows that design is the best explanation for that circumstance. Sceptics often bring up to possible existence of a multiverse for the explanation of the fine-tuning in the universe. There are different types of multiverses which are discussed in literature. One type of multiverse comes from the Many Worlds Interpretation (MWI) in Quantum Mechanics (QM). In this essay I will argue that the MWI is not a good option for sceptics to attack the FTA, because 1) it is a problematic interpretation of QM and 2) even if true, would not threaten the viability of the FTA.
On the Impossibility of Digital Immortality
Abstract
In this paper I will argue that the concept of digital immortality (DI) which is a topic in transhumanism is not plausible. DI requires that all aspects of the human mind can run on a computer, i.e. they need to be computable. Based on two arguments I will show that there are good reasons for doubting that all aspects of the human mind are computable, and DI therefore would be impossible. First, there are good arguments which show that humans are not just material but have an immaterial aspect, which is usually denoted as soul. And the soul would be something which could not be simulated by a computer. Second, even in the case of physicalism where the mind arises from the brain, DI might not be possible, because the brain is a complex system and since complex system most often cannot be mathematically modelled adequately it will also not be possible to perform a whole brain emulation. Moreover, I will argue that even if these two main arguments against DI fail, still nobody could achieve DI, because a digital copy of you would not be you. Therefore, people searching for immortality need to look somewhere else and should consider Christianity.