Edin - Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences
- Offered byCoursera
Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences at Coursera Overview
Duration | 11 hours |
Start from | Start Now |
Total fee | Free |
Mode of learning | Online |
Official Website | Explore Free Course  |
Credential | Certificate |
Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences at Coursera Highlights
- 33% started a new career after completing these courses.
- 12% got a tangible career benefit from this course.
- Earn a shareable certificate upon completion.
- Flexible deadlines according to your schedule.
Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences at Coursera Course details
- 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.
Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences at Coursera Curriculum
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
Introduction to the Philosophy of Cognitive Sciences
Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences at Coursera Admission Process
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