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
Recent Examples on the Web
That’s the essence of the anthropic principle.
—
Korey Haynes, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2018
The anthropic principle doesn’t answer this.
—Korey Haynes, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2018
Ambitious approaches to contemporary cosmological questions, such as quantum cosmology, the multiverse, and the anthropic principle, have not yet been developed into mature scientific theories.
—Sean Carroll, Discover Magazine, 21 Mar. 2011
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
This is called the anthropic principle, the idea that humans can only have evolved in a universe with fundamental constants that allow this evolution.
—The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2023
Theories of Eternal Inflation (EI) have to rely too heavily on the anthropic principle to be consistent with experiment.
—Sean Carroll, Discover Magazine, 29 Aug. 2012
For those of you how prefer a little provocation, Martin Rees picks the anthropic principle.
—Sean Carroll, Discover Magazine, 15 Jan. 2012
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
Korey Haynes, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2018
The anthropic principle doesn’t answer this.
—Korey Haynes, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2018
Ambitious approaches to contemporary cosmological questions, such as quantum cosmology, the multiverse, and the anthropic principle, have not yet been developed into mature scientific theories.
—Sean Carroll, Discover Magazine, 21 Mar. 2011
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
This is called the anthropic principle, the idea that humans can only have evolved in a universe with fundamental constants that allow this evolution.
—The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2023
Theories of Eternal Inflation (EI) have to rely too heavily on the anthropic principle to be consistent with experiment.
—Sean Carroll, Discover Magazine, 29 Aug. 2012
For those of you how prefer a little provocation, Martin Rees picks the anthropic principle.
—Sean Carroll, Discover Magazine, 15 Jan. 2012
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
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'anthropic principle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1974, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of anthropic principle was
in 1974
Dictionary Entries Near anthropic principle
Cite this Entry
“Anthropic principle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anthropic%20principle. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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