Does inflation solve the hot big bang model׳s fine-tuning problems?

•Analyzes the horizon and flatness problems of big bang cosmology.•Argues that there is no unproblematic interpretation of either problem.•Shows that inflation solves problems only under some interpretations.•Comments on significance of results to scientific methodology.

Cosmological inflation is widely considered an integral and empirically successful component of contemporary cosmology. It was originally motivated (and usually still is) by its solution of certain so-called fine-tuning problems of the hot big bang model, particularly what are known as the horizon problem and the flatness problem. Although the physics behind these problems is clear enough, the nature of the problems depends on the sense in which the hot big bang model is fine-tuned and how the alleged fine-tuning is problematic. Without clear explications of these, it remains unclear precisely what problems inflationary theory is meant to be solving and whether it does in fact solve them. I analyze the structure of these problems and consider various interpretations that may substantiate the alleged fine-tuning. On the basis of this analysis I argue that at present there is no unproblematic interpretation available for which it can be said that inflation solves the big bang model׳s alleged fine-tuning problems.