The Department of Philosophy presented "How is Scientific Cosmology Possible?" - Chris Smeenk, Associate Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Rotman Instiute of Philosophy at Western University, Ontario Canada, on October 19th, 2017.
The last century has seen enormous progress in understanding the cosmos. Yet cosmology differs from other areas of physics. It deals with a unique object, the universe as a whole, which cannot be experimentally manipulated. Due to the distinctive nature of the field, cosmologists have confronted basic questions about the limits of science. Their answers reveal philosophical assumptions about scientific method. This talk will focus on the interplay between research in cosmology and philosophical views guiding inquiry.
The lecture was made possible by the generous support of the Patrick O'Hara and Caterina Randolph Fund for Philosophy.