Small Neutrino Masses: Another Anthropic principle aspect?

TL;DR

This paper discusses the potential role of the anthropic principle in explaining the tiny neutrino masses, which are not yet predicted by particle theory, and considers its relevance in the broader context of fundamental constants.

Contribution

It proposes that the anthropic principle could be relevant for understanding neutrino masses, adding a new perspective to the ongoing puzzle of their origin.

Findings

Neutrino oscillations imply at least one neutrino has a tiny mass.

Particle theory currently does not predict individual neutrino masses.

The anthropic principle may offer insights into neutrino mass values.

Abstract

This year's Physics Nobel prize for the discovery of neutrino oscillations which resolved the problem of the missing solar neutrinos and the atmospheric muon neutrinos implies that at least one of the three neutrino species has a tiny mass. The neutrino oscillations measure the mass difference squared, and the individual neutrino masses have yet to be accurately ascertained. Particle theory has so far not given a predictive picture for neutrino masses. Here we propose that the anthropic principle may be relevant, as it is frequently invoked to understand other aspects of the universe, including the precise values of fine structure constant or nuclear coupling constant or even the proton-electron mass ratio.