Explore

Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences

Approx. 11 hours to complete

Save Course

Go to Course

Course Summary

This course explores the philosophical underpinnings of physical sciences and how they shape our understanding of the world around us.

Key Learning Points

Learn about the philosophical debates surrounding the nature of scientific inquiry and its role in society
Explore the relationship between physical sciences and metaphysics
Examine the ways in which scientific theories are constructed and tested

Learning Outcomes

Develop a critical understanding of the philosophical foundations of physical sciences
Gain insight into how scientific theories are constructed and tested
Learn how to evaluate the relationship between physical sciences and metaphysics

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

No prior knowledge of philosophy or physical sciences required
Basic understanding of scientific methodology recommended

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online
Self-paced

Similar Courses

Philosophy of Physics
Philosophy and the Sciences

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

Thomas Kuhn
Karl Popper

Related Books

Description

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.

Outline

What is this thing called science? (Michela Massimi and Duncan Pritchard)
1.1 Intro
1.2 What is Science?
1.3 Duhem & Kuhn
Lecture slides
Recommendation for reading
Epistemic relativism
Inductivism and Falsificationism
Underdetermination
Philosophers
Related work by Philosophy staff at the University of Edinburgh
Week 1 Practice Quiz: What is this thing called science?

Week 2: The origins of our universe (Michela Massimi and John Peacock)
2.1 The origins of our universe
2.2 A Very Brief History of Cosmology part I
2.2 A Very Brief History of Cosmology part II
2.3 Cosmology & Scientific Methodology
2.4 Conclusion
Lecture slides
Recommendation for reading
General overview of modern cosmology
Unobservability and indistinguishable spacetimes
Smolin on cosmology, time and laws
Chris Smeenk
Related work by Philosophy staff at the University of Edinburgh
Week 2 Quiz: The origins of the universe

Week 3: Dark Matter and Dark Energy (Michela Massimi and John Peacock)
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Dark Matter & Dark Energy part I
3.2 Dark Matter & Dark Energy part II
3.3 What prospects for Cosmology?
3.4 Conclusion
Lecture Slides
Find and share news on the frontiers of science!
Recommendation for reading
On Kuhn and the rationality of theory choice
Underdetermination of theory by evidence
Dark matter and dark energy
Related work by Philosophy staff at the University of Edinburgh
Week 3 Quiz: Dark matter and dark energy

Week 4: The anthropic principle and multiverse cosmology (Alasdair Richmond and John Peacock)
4.1 The Anthropic Principle and Philosophy
4.2 The Anthropic Principle and Cosmology Part I
4.2 The Anthropic Principle and Cosmology Part II
Lecture Slides
Recommendation for reading
Inflationary cosmology
Multiverse Cosmology
Related work by Philosophy staff at the University of Edinburgh
Week 4 Quiz: The anthropic principle and multiverse cosmology

Philosophy and the Sciences Part 2
Introduction to the Philosophy of Cognitive Sciences

Summary of User Reviews

Discover the fascinating relationship between philosophy and physical sciences in this course. Students have praised the course’s enlightening and thought-provoking content, which challenges them to think critically about the intersection of these two fields.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

The course is praised for its enlightening and thought-provoking content

Pros from User Reviews

Excellent course content
Thought-provoking lectures
Challenges students to think critically
Engaging and informative instructor
Provides a unique perspective on the relationship between philosophy and physical sciences

Cons from User Reviews

Some students found the material difficult to understand
Not suitable for beginners
The pace of the course can be slow at times
Limited interaction with other students
Some students felt that the course was too theoretical

languageEnglish

start dateAvailable now

durationApprox. 11 hours to complete

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

institutionThe University of Edinburgh

course taken onCoursera

Recommended for you

Accounting–Financial Accounting Total-Beginners to Advanced

Including well over 100 hours of content, e-book (EPUB, MOBI, PDF) ,Excel worksheet, & PDF files, this is comprehensive Recently updated with A LOT of added content....

Save Course

Cities are back in town : urban sociology for a globalizing urban world

Urbanization is reaching a new peak in the contemporary world with the rise of mega cities. General Overview Help Center ....

Save Course

Unlock your passion to live a fulfilling and content life

Find your passion and fight for it. Get inspired. Be independent of other peoples’ opinions. Be a master at your gift....

Save Course

Depression Essence & Treatment - Certification Course Part 2

Learn more about Depression. Take care of yourself and the people you love. Boost your personal development and skills! I hope this training will be useful for each of you....

Save Course