UNCORRECTED DRAFT – NOT FOR CITATION OR DISTRIBUTION 212 17. Cosmic fine-tuning, ‘many universe’ theories, and the goodness of life Neil A. Manson This volume addresses the role value judgments play in science. It is my contention that a particular research programme in modern physical cosmology rests crucially on a value judgment. Before making my case, let me introduce the following abbreviations for the following propositions. K = The free cosmic parameters in standard Big Bang cosmology require fine-tuning in order for life to be possible in the universe. E = Life is possible in the universe. D = There exists an extra-cosmic designer. M = There is a vast array of universes in which the laws are the same as in our universe but with varying values of the free parameters. Here is the essence of my argument, with elaboration to follow. (1) Most contemporary physical cosmologists think that, in light of K, an explanation is demanded for E. Many of them offer M as that explanation and they attempt to provide models whereby M is true. (2) The best explanation of (1) is that these physical cosmologists think D is a ‘tidy explanation’ of E. (3) If they think D is a ‘tidy explanation’ of E, they must judge that life is intrinsically valuable.