Since the 1950:ies the references to our own existence, or at least the existence of observers, as a circumstance which must be taken into account if we wish to understand the character of the laws of physics, of our universe as a whole or our solar system, have become common among physicists, cosmologists and astronomers. The idea has also been linked to scientifically based speculations on the existence of multiple universes. Is this a promising avenue or a dead end for science?