An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

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.

Etymology (EN): Anthropic, from Gk. anthropikos “human,” from anthropos “human being, man,” → anthropo-; → principle.

Etymology (PE): 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-.