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Professor Duncan Pritchard, Dr. Alasdair Richmond, Dr. Suilin Lavelle, Dr David Carmel, Dr Peggy Series, Professor Andy Clark, Dr Mark Sprevak, Dr Kenny Smith, Professor John Peacock, Professor Barbara Webb, Dr Louise Connelly, and Professor Michela Massimi

What is the origin of our universe? What are dark matter and dark energy?

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What is the origin of our universe? What are dark matter and dark energy?

This is the first part of the course 'Philosophy and the Sciences', dedicated to Philosophy of the Physical Sciences. Scientific research across the physical sciences has raised pressing questions for philosophers. The goal of this course is to introduce you to some of the main areas and topics at the key juncture between philosophy and the physical sciences.

Each week we will introduce you to some of these important questions at the forefront of scientific research.

We will explain the science behind each topic in a simple, non-technical way, while also addressing the philosophical and conceptual questions arising from it. We’ll consider questions about the origin and evolution of our universe, the nature of dark energy and dark matter and the role of anthropic reasoning in the explanation of our universe.

Learning Objectives

Gain a fairly well-rounded view on selected areas and topics at the intersection of philosophy and the sciences

Understand some key questions, and conceptual problems arising in the natural sciences.

Develop critical skills to evaluate and assess these problems.

Suggested Reading

To accompany 'Philosophy and the Sciences', we are pleased to announce a tie-in book from Routledge entitled 'Philosophy and the Sciences for Everyone'. This course companion to the 'Philosophy and the Sciences' course was written by the Edinburgh Philosophy and the Sciences team expressly with the needs of MOOC students in mind. 'Philosophy and the Sciences for Everyone' contains clear and user-friendly chapters, chapter summaries, glossary, study questions, suggestions for further reading and guides to online resources.

Please note, this companion book is optional - all the resources needed to complete the course are available freely and listed on the course site.

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What's inside

Syllabus

What is this thing called science? (Michela Massimi and Duncan Pritchard)
Introduction to philosophy of science: the nature of scientific knowledge, the debates about the scientific method and the problem of underdetermination.
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Week 2: The origins of our universe (Michela Massimi and John Peacock)
How did our universe form and evolve? Was there really a Big Bang, and what came before it?
Week 3: Dark Matter and Dark Energy (Michela Massimi and John Peacock)
According to the currently accepted model in cosmology, our universe is made up of 5% of ordinary matter, 25% cold dark matter, and 70% dark energy. But what kind of entities are dark matter and dark energy?
Week 4: The anthropic principle and multiverse cosmology (Alasdair Richmond and John Peacock)
Anthropic reasoning attempts to understand peculiarities of the physical universe via context-sensitive observers in a multiverse of different distinct universes. What are the problems and prospects of this view?
Philosophy and the Sciences Part 2

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Know what's good
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Offers comprehensive overview of cosmology, covering key topics at the intersection of philosophy and science
Taught by renowned instructors from the University of Edinburgh, recognized for their contributions to the field of philosophy of science
Presents philosophical implications of current scientific theories, encouraging critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the universe's origin
Offers a conceptual framework for understanding scientific research and its impact on philosophical inquiries
Explores the role of anthropic principles in解释 the universe, fostering a broader perspective on the interplay between science and philosophy
Provides an accessible introduction to complex scientific concepts, making it suitable for learners with varying backgrounds

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Reviews summary

Philosophical exploration of science

Learners say this engaging course delves into the relationship between science and philosophy. The two-part course covers cosmology and the philosophy of mind. Students note the easy-to-follow, challenging, and methodological approach. Prior knowledge of philosophy may make the course easier, but it explains complicated topics in simple terms. Students also appreciate the peer-reviewed essays and discussion forums moderated by competent staff.
Challenging but accessible.
"Very interesting, easy to follow and challenging content."
Engaging discussion forums.
"the way the discussion forums were moderated by competent staff members"
Two-part format covering cosmology and philosophy of mind.
"This course consists of two parts - philosophy of cosmology and philosophy of mind."
"All in all, a good course even if you're familiar with these topics, you might enjoy various discussions."
Clear explanations of complex topics.
"I salute the way the cosmological concepts of dark matter and dark energy were explained easily by a trained physicist."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences with these activities:
Review math basics
Familiarize yourself with the basic mathematical concepts covered in the course.
Browse courses on Math
Show steps
  • Review the basics of algebra and geometry.
  • Take practice problems on basic math operations.
  • Refresh your knowledge on trigonometry and calculus.
Read 'Quantum Mechanics for Mathematicians'
Gain a deeper understanding of quantum mechanics from a mathematical perspective.
Show steps
  • Read the first few chapters to familiarize yourself with the basic concepts.
  • Work through the practice problems at the end of each chapter.
  • Discuss the book with a study group or online forum.
Follow tutorials on statistical software (e.g., R, Python)
Develop proficiency in using statistical software to analyze and visualize data.
Browse courses on Statistics
Show steps
  • Find online tutorials or courses for the software.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step and practice the exercises.
  • Apply the software to analyze your own dataset.
Five other activities
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Show all eight activities
Join a study group to discuss course concepts
Engage with peers, share insights, and clarify difficult concepts.
Show steps
  • Find a study group or create your own.
  • Meet regularly to discuss assigned readings and lecture notes.
  • Work together on problem sets and assignments.
Create a mind map of the course material
Visualize and organize the key concepts and their relationships in the course.
Show steps
  • Identify the main topics and subtopics.
  • Draw a diagram connecting the topics with lines and arrows.
  • Add brief descriptions or examples to each topic.
Develop a research proposal on a topic of interest in physical sciences
Apply the knowledge and skills gained in the course to conduct independent research.
Show steps
  • Identify a research question and develop a hypothesis.
  • Design a methodology for data collection and analysis.
  • Write a research proposal outlining the research plan.
Volunteer as a tutor or mentor in physical sciences
Consolidate your understanding by sharing your knowledge and helping others learn.
Show steps
  • Contact local schools, universities, or organizations to offer your services.
  • Prepare lesson plans and materials to support students.
  • Provide guidance and feedback to students.
Attend workshops on advanced topics in physical sciences
Stay up-to-date with cutting-edge research and developments in the field.
Show steps
  • Identify relevant workshops and conferences.
  • Register and attend the workshops.
  • Take notes, ask questions, and engage with experts.

Career center

Learners who complete Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Museum curator
Museum curators manage the collections of museums and other cultural institutions. The Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences course covers the history and philosophy of science, paying special attention to the philosophy of physics. This course may be useful to aspiring museum curators because it will help them to understand the philosophical underpinnings of science and communicate these concepts to their visitors.
Astrophysicist
Astrophysicists research the physical properties of astronomical objects, such as stars, galaxies, and planets. They also study the evolution of the universe as a whole. The Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences course covers the history and philosophy of science, paying special attention to the philosophy of physics. This course may be useful to aspiring astrophysicists because it will help them to understand the philosophical underpinnings of their field.
Astronomer
Astronomers study the universe and its contents, including stars, planets, galaxies, and other celestial objects. The Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences course covers the history and philosophy of science, paying special attention to the philosophy of physics. This course may be useful to aspiring astronomers because it will help them to understand the philosophical underpinnings of their field.
Science Writer
Science writers communicate complex scientific concepts to a general audience. The Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences course covers the history and philosophy of science, paying special attention to the philosophy of physics. This course may be useful to aspiring science writers because it will help them to understand the philosophical underpinnings of science and communicate these concepts to a general audience.
Patent Attorney
Patent attorneys help inventors to obtain patents for their inventions. The Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences course covers the history and philosophy of science, paying special attention to the philosophy of physics. This course may be useful to aspiring patent attorneys because it will help them to understand the philosophical underpinnings of science and communicate these concepts to their clients.
Science Teacher
Science teachers teach science to students at all levels, from elementary school to college. The Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences course covers the history and philosophy of science, paying special attention to the philosophy of physics. This course may be useful to aspiring science teachers because it will help them to understand the philosophical underpinnings of science and communicate these concepts to their students.
Cosmologist
Cosmologists study the universe as a whole, including its origin, evolution, and ultimate fate. The Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences course covers the history and philosophy of science, paying special attention to the philosophy of physics. This course may be useful to aspiring cosmologists because it will help them to understand the philosophical underpinnings of their field.
Science Communicator
Science communicators translate complex scientific concepts into language that non-scientists can understand. The Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences course covers the history and philosophy of science, paying special attention to the philosophy of physics. This course may be useful to aspiring science communicators because it will help them to understand the philosophical underpinnings of science and communicate these concepts to a general audience.
Science Educator
Science educators develop and implement educational programs that teach science to students at all levels. The Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences course covers the history and philosophy of science, paying special attention to the philosophy of physics. This course may be useful to aspiring science educators because it will help them to understand the philosophical underpinnings of science and communicate these concepts to their students.
Theoretical Physicist
Theoretical physicists develop and test theories about the fundamental nature of the universe. The Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences course covers the history and philosophy of science, paying special attention to the philosophy of physics. This course may be useful to aspiring theoretical physicists because it will help them to understand the philosophical underpinnings of their field.
Science Journalist
Science journalists write about science for a general audience. The Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences course covers the history and philosophy of science, paying special attention to the philosophy of physics. This course may be useful to aspiring science journalists because it will help them to understand the philosophical underpinnings of science and communicate these concepts to a general audience.
Particle Physicist
Particle physicists study the fundamental constituents of matter and the forces that act between them. The Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences course covers the history and philosophy of science, paying special attention to the philosophy of physics. This course may be useful to aspiring particle physicists because it will help them to understand the philosophical underpinnings of their field.
Science Policy Analyst
Science policy analysts advise policymakers on the scientific implications of public policy decisions. The Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences course covers the history and philosophy of science, paying special attention to the philosophy of physics. This course may be useful to aspiring science policy analysts because it will help them to understand the philosophical underpinnings of science and communicate these concepts to policymakers.
Science Librarian
Science librarians help scientists to find and use information. The Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences course covers the history and philosophy of science, paying special attention to the philosophy of physics. This course may be useful to aspiring science librarians because it will help them to understand the philosophical underpinnings of science and communicate these concepts to their clients.
Science Administrator
Science administrators manage the operations of scientific organizations, such as universities, research institutes, and government agencies. The Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences course covers the history and philosophy of science, paying special attention to the philosophy of physics. This course may be useful to aspiring science administrators because it will help them to understand the philosophical underpinnings of science and communicate these concepts to their colleagues.

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the philosophy of science, covering topics such as the nature of scientific knowledge, the scientific method, and the relationship between science and society. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the philosophical foundations of science.
Robert Batterman's text is specifically written as an introduction to the philosophy of the physical sciences. It would be excellent reading for anyone in the course to better understand the nature of scientific knowledge and the debates about the scientific method.
Provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the philosophy of physics, covering topics such as the nature of spacetime, quantum mechanics, and the relationship between science and metaphysics.
Thomas Kuhn's seminal work is not specifically about the physical sciences. However, his ideas about scientific revolutions and paradigm shifts are essential reading for anyone interested in the philosophy of science.
Provides a sweeping and awe-inspiring account of the history of the universe, from its origins to its probable end.
Jim Al-Khalili's excellent book on quantum theory must-read for anyone interested in the philosophical implications of quantum mechanics. As the course explores the nature of dark matter and dark energy, this text would be a great jumping off point for contemporary debates around quantum physics.
Provides a sweeping and thought-provoking account of the history of humankind, from its origins to the present day.
Provides an excellent overview of the philosophy of science, covering topics such as the nature of scientific knowledge, the scientific method, and the relationship between science and society.
This classic work in the philosophy of science argues that scientific progress occurs through a series of revolutions, each of which overturns the prevailing paradigm.
Provides a detailed and accessible account of the Big Bang theory, from its origins to its current status as the leading scientific explanation for the origin and evolution of the universe.
Provides a critical examination of the anthropic principle, a controversial idea that argues that the laws of physics are fine-tuned to allow for the existence of life.
Provides a critical introduction to the multiverse hypothesis, which posits that our universe is just one of many in a vast multiverse.
Provides a bold and provocative exploration of the nature of reality, arguing that reality is not something that exists independently of us, but rather something that is created by our minds.
Explores the parallels between modern physics and Eastern mysticism, arguing that the two share a common understanding of the universe as a dynamic and interconnected system.
Provides a popular account of the history of the universe, from its origins to its probable end.
A fascinating and readable account of the development of quantum mechanics and the debate between Einstein and Bohr about the nature of reality.
A popular science book that provides a clear and engaging introduction to cosmology and the nature of the universe.
Michael Longo's book good overview of the current state of research on dark matter and dark energy. It is accessible to non-scientists, but it also delves into the technical details of the subject.
Provides a clear and accessible introduction to quantum mechanics, one of the most important and counterintuitive theories in science. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the quantum world.
Barrow and Tipler's book classic work on the anthropic cosmological principle. It challenging read, but it is essential reading for anyone interested in the philosophical implications of the anthropic principle.
Provides a concise and engaging introduction to the philosophy of science, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Argues that the selfish gene is the driving force behind evolution.
Edward Kolb and Michael Turner's book comprehensive textbook on cosmology. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the science of the universe.
Simon Singh's book provides an accessible account of the scientific history of the Big Bang theory. It would be a great book to read if you want to know more about the origins of our universe.
A classic television series and book that provides a sweeping overview of the history of the universe and our place in it.
Leonard Susskind's book argues that string theory provides a more elegant and complete explanation of the universe than intelligent design. It presents complex material in an accessible way. It great book for learning about string theory and all of its implications.
Stephen Hawking and Leonard Mlodinow's book explores the relationship between science and religion. It great read for anyone who is interested in the big questions about the universe and our place in it.
Explores the nature of the universe and the possibility of a grand unified theory of everything. It thought-provoking book that will challenge your assumptions about the universe.
Samir Okasha's book provides a concise introduction to the philosophy of science. It great book for anyone who wants to learn more about this field.
Short and accessible introduction to astrophysics. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the stars, galaxies, and the universe.
An exploration of the nature of time and the search for a unified theory of physics.
Brian Greene's book is an introduction to string theory. It great book for anyone who wants to learn more about this field.
An exploration of the nature of consciousness and the search for a scientific understanding of the mind.
Brian Greene's book sequel to 'The Elegant Universe'. It explores the implications of string theory for our understanding of the universe.
An exploration of the role of the body and emotions in the development of consciousness.
Stephen Hawking's book popular account of the history of the universe. It great book for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic.
Explores the history of the black hole concept and the debates surrounding it. It fascinating read for anyone who is interested in the nature of black holes.
Science fiction novel that tells the story of a group of people who are living in an underground silo. It thought-provoking read for anyone who is interested in science fiction.
Science fiction novel that tells the story of a group of teenagers who are fighting against an alien invasion. It thrilling read for anyone who is interested in science fiction.
Science fiction novel that explores the nature of the universe and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. It thought-provoking read for anyone who is interested in science fiction.
Science fiction novel that tells the story of an astronaut who is stranded on Mars. It thrilling read for anyone who is interested in space exploration.
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Humorous science fiction novel that explores the nature of the universe. It fun read for anyone who is interested in science fiction.

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