anthropic principle
noun
: either of two principles in cosmology:
a
: conditions that are observed in the universe must allow the observer to exist
called also weak anthropic principle
b
: the universe must have properties that make inevitable the existence of intelligent life
called also strong anthropic principle
Examples of anthropic principle in a Sentence
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This is called the anthropic principle, the idea that humans can only have evolved in a universe with fundamental constants that allow this evolution.
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The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2023
Carter’s observation that our universe is finely tuned for the emergence of life has been called the anthropic principle.
—Alan Lightman, The Atlantic, 8 Sep. 2022
One of the most prominent—and, by some, most hated—solutions to the cosmological constant problem is called the anthropic principle.
—Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2021
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The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2023
Carter’s observation that our universe is finely tuned for the emergence of life has been called the anthropic principle.
—Alan Lightman, The Atlantic, 8 Sep. 2022
One of the most prominent—and, by some, most hated—solutions to the cosmological constant problem is called the anthropic principle.
—Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2021
Cite this Entry
“Anthropic principle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anthropic%20principle. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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