Exploring the Fine-Tuning Argument with Physicists and Rabbis Elie Feder and Aaron Zimmer

In this episode of Philosophy and Faith, the hosts welcome Rabbis Elie Feder and Aaron Zimmer, hosts of the podcast Physics to God, to discuss arguments for the existence of God, specifically focusing on the teleological and fine-tuning arguments. Elie, an orthodox rabbi and mathematician, and Aaron, a modern Orthodox rabbi with a background in physics and commodities trading, detail their journeys in faith and academia. They explain the fine-tuning argument, which posits that the constants of nature, such as the fine structure constant and the cosmological constant, are precisely calibrated to allow the universe to support life and complex structures. They argue that this precise tuning suggests an intelligent cause. The discussion also critically evaluates the multiverse theory as an alternative explanation and emphasizes the importance of recognizing when physicists are doing philosophy instead of science. The episode also touches on the importance of understanding philosophy in interpreting scientific data and the potential limitations of atheistic naturalism.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:30 Ellie's Faith and Academic Journey

02:32 Aaron's Faith and Career Path

07:47 The Fine Tuning Argument

11:43 The Mystery of the Constants

19:08 Scientific Discoveries and Fine Tuning

28:27 Philosophical Foundations of Intelligence

29:13 Fine-Tuning and Intelligent Design

30:03 Challenges to Fine-Tuning Argument

35:25 The Multiverse Theory

38:56 Philosophical Implications of the Multiverse

44:50 The Future of Science and Philosophy

49:40 Personal Reflections and Future Directions

56:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts