Cosmological constant and the final anthropic hypothesis

The influence of recent detections of a finite vacuum energy ('cosmological constant') on our formulation of anthropic conjectures, particularly the s o-called Final Anthropic Principle is investigated. It is shown that non-ze ro vacuum energy implies the onset of a quasi-exponential expansion of our causally connected domain ('the universe') at some point in the future, a s tage similar to the inflationary expansion at the very beginning of time. T he transition to this future inflationary phase of cosmological expansion w ill preclude indefinite survival of intelligent species in our domain, beca use of the rapid shrinking of particle horizons and subsequent depletion of energy necessary for information processes within the horizon of any obser ver. Therefore, to satisfy the Final Anthropic Hypothesis (reformulated to apply to the entire ensemble of universes), it is necessary to show that (i ) chaotic inflation of Linde (or some similar model) provides a satisfactor y description of reality, (ii) migration between causally connected domains within the multiverse is physically permitted, and (iii) the time interval left to the onset of the future inflationary phase is sufficient for devel opment of the technology necessary for such inter-domain travel. These stri ngent requirements diminish the probability of the Final Anthropic Hypothes is being true.