Perspectives on the Cosmos - from the Ancient
Philosophers to Modern Science
Tue. 2:00-4:30PM
Prof. Stacy McGaugh, Department of Astronomy
For all of recorded history, and presumably well before
that, people have asked the Big Questions: What is the nature of the Universe? How big is it? How old? What is our place in it? For just as long, we've been making up the answers.
Cosmology
is the subject that seeks to answer the big questions. As such, it is the nexus where science,
philosophy, and religion collide.
This course will explore the subject of cosmology, from both an
historical and scientific perspective.
In the process, we will examine the roles of faith, philosophy, and
empirical knowledge. We will
survey prevailing attitudes towards the nature of the world model over time,
examining the impact of belief systems on the interpretation of physical
evidence. Subjects to be covered
include the first vital steps of the ancient philosophers, the tension between
geocentric and heliocentric world models at the time of Copernicus and Galileo,
and the modern scientific world view.
Students will learn to critically examine evidence and its
interpretation, learning to appreciate the strengths and shortcomings of
various forms of human knowledge.
Emphasis will be placed on the importance and limitations of empirical
evidence, and the dangers inherent in the interpretation of evidence within a
preconceived framework. The
student will gain a detailed knowledge of modern cosmology, and develop an
appreciation for both its strengths and inherent weaknesses. In the process comes a respect for the
diverse paths to knowledge followed by humanity.
Course work will include a midterm and final. There will be weekly readings and
written reading responses. An
essential part of the seminar will be lively discussion of the topic at hand;
as such, class participation will constitute a portion of the grade. Students will be responsible for
researching and presenting an appropriate subject chosen in consultation with
the instructor. The presentation
will take the form of a term paper and an oral presentation to the class. Examples of potential topics and
readings can be found at http://www.aip.org/history/cosmology/ideas/greekworldview.htm.