Does Cosmological Evolution Select for Technology?

TL;DR

This paper explores whether the universe's physical parameters are fine-tuned through cosmological natural selection to support not only stars and life but also advanced technology capable of producing progeny universes.

Contribution

It proposes that technological capabilities may be subject to cosmological natural selection, linking physical parameters to the emergence of technology necessary for universe reproduction.

Findings

Technologies like silicon electronics and superconductors may be fine-tuned for producing singularities.

Numerical studies can identify parameter regions where stars, life, and technology coexist.

The approach requires only computer simulations, not new astrophysical observations.

Abstract

If the parameters defining the physics of our universe departed from their present values, the observed rich structure and complexity would not be supported. This article considers whether similar fine-tuning of parameters applies to technology. The anthropic principle is one means of explaining the observed values of the parameters. This principle constrains physical theories to allow for our existence, yet the principle does not apply to the existence of technology. Cosmological natural selection has been proposed as an alternative to anthropic reasoning. Within this framework, fine-tuning results from selection of universes capable of prolific reproduction. It was originally proposed that reproduction occurs through singularities resulting from supernovae, and subsequently argued that life may facilitate the production of the singularities that become offspring universes. Here I argue technology is necessary for production of singularities by living beings, and ask whether the physics of our universe has been selected to simultaneously enable stars, intelligent life, and technology capable of creating progeny. Specific technologies appear implausibly equipped to perform tasks necessary for production of singularities, potentially indicating fine-tuning through cosmological natural selection. These technologies include silicon electronics, superconductors, and the cryogenic infrastructure enabled by the thermodynamic properties of liquid helium. Numerical studies are proposed to determine regions of physical parameter space in which the constraints of stars, life, and technology are simultaneously satisfied. If this overlapping parameter range is small, we should be surprised that physics allows technology to exist alongside us. The tests do not call for new astrophysical or cosmological observations. Only computer simulations of well-understood condensed matter systems are required.