anthropic principle

noun

|Updated on: 12 May 2018

Definition of anthropic principle

: 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

Recent Examples of anthropic principle from the Web

Tsvi Piran, an astrophysicist at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem who has also speculated about the anthropic principle’s effect on the bounds of dark energy, says some of study’s assumptions are a bit shaky.

— adam mann, Science | AAAS, "Dark energy’s weakness may be why supernovae didn’t kill us all," 4 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'anthropic principle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.