An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics
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The idea that the existence of → life and, in particular, our presence as → intelligent  → observers, → constrains the nature of the → Universe. It is an attempt to explain the observed fact that the → fundamental constants of nature are just right or fine-tuned to allow the Universe and life to exist. This is not however a "principle." See also → weak anthropic principle, → strong anthropic principle. Compare → Copernican principle.

Anthropic, from Gk. anthropikos "human," from anthropos "human being, man," → anthropo-; → principle.

Parvaz, → principle; ensân-hasti, from ensân, → anthropo-, + Mod.Pers. hasti "existence, being," Mid.Pers. astih, O.Pers. astiy; Av. asti "is," O.Pers./Av. root ah- "to be;" cf. Skt. as-; Gk. esti; L. est; PIE *es-.

A version of the → anthropic principle that claims that the → Universe must be suitable for the formation of → intelligent life at some point. Compared with the → weak anthropic principle, this version is very controversial. Its implications are highly speculative from a scientific viewpoint.

→ strong; → anthropic; → principle.

A version of the → anthropic principle whereby the initial conditions in the → Universe are → constrained by the fact that → intelligent life has appeared.

→ weak; → anthropic; → principle.