Does Cosmological Evolution Select for Technology?

Published

July 30, 2020

Author(s)

Jeff Shainline

Abstract

Fine tuning of the parameters defining the physics of our universe has been proposed to result from the natural selection of universes capable of prolific reproduction. This cosmic reproduction may occur through singularities, and it has been argued that the physics of our universe was selected to maximize offspring through stellar production of singularities via core-collapse supernovae. It was subsequently argued that life may facilitate the production of offspring by manufacturing black holes, increasing the fecundity of the universe relative to reproduction via stars alone. Here I argue technology is crucial to production of offspring universes by living beings, and that the physics of our universe has been selected to simultaneously enable long-lived stars, intelligent life, and technology capable of cosmic reproduction. I argue specific technologies are implausibly equipped to perform tasks necessary for the production of singularities, indicating fine-tuning through cosmological natural selection. A series of numerical tests is proposed to probe whether physical parameters take values in narrow ranges that compromise between competing constraints of stars, life, and technology.

Citation

Physical Review D (Particles, Fields, Gravitation and Cosmology)

Pub Type

Journals

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Keywords

Fine-tuning, cosmological natural selection, anthropic principle

Citation

Shainline, J. (2020), Does Cosmological Evolution Select for Technology?, Physical Review D (Particles, Fields, Gravitation and Cosmology), [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=929044 (Accessed April 29, 2026)

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