Philosophy and the Sciences Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences
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.
None
Syllabus
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week 1
What is this thing called science? (Michela Massimi and Duncan Pritchard)
Week 2
Week 2: The origins of our universe (Michela Massimi and John Peacock)
Week 3
Week 3: Dark Matter and Dark Energy (Michela Massimi and John Peacock)
Week 4
Week 4: The anthropic principle and multiverse cosmology (Alasdair Richmond and John Peacock)
Philosophy and the Sciences Part 2
FAQ
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
Reviews
A remarkable experience. Great lectures, beautiful surroundings, well chosen readings. I guess I will sign up for the second part of it.
I learned interesting ways of abording the subject of new theories. As a physics teacher, I will use some ideas in my everyday practice.
Great fun! Yes, challenging but also thought-provoking. Very responsible coverage of the science, and useful (not merely clever) philosophical discussions of key related concerns.
The course was fascinating and inspirational. It revealed to me the connection between science and philosophy in the context of cutting edge knowledge.
