PHIL2042 Philosophy of the Cosmos
Later Year Course
| Offered By | School of Philosophy |
|---|---|
| Academic Career | Undergraduate |
| Course Subject | Philosophy |
| Offered in | First Semester, 2010 and First Semester, 2011 |
| Unit Value | 6 units |
| Course Description |
This course aims at providing a conceptual understanding of some of the many faces of the Universe. General issues relating to the nature of mathematics and science, of space and time, and of the universe as a whole will be discussed. The course will be divided into the following sections: The Structure of the Universe, Shape and Measurement, The Geometry of Space-Time, Cosmology and the Arrow of Time, The Development of Life and the Anthropic Principle. The various sections will be introduced in a historical context emphasising the evolution of thought leading to current understanding. Topics to be covered include: the nature of numbers and of mathematical knowledge; geometry and the physical world, the nature of gravity and black holes, time travel and backward causation, determinism and free will, and mathematical models of the universe. |
| Learning Outcomes |
An understanding in outline of the history of cosmology, and of contemporary cosmology. A conceptual understanding of relativity theory and quantum mechanics. An appreciation that many of the theories underlying modern cosmology are contentious. An understanding of what would be involved in further study in philosophy of science, and in cosmology. A habit of educated questioning of scientific orthodoxy. |
| Indicative Assessment |
600-word essay (April): 20% 600-word essay (May): 20% 3,000-word essay (June): 40% tutorial participation: 20% |
| Workload | 26 hours of lectures and 12 hours of tutorials. Course offered jountly by the Departments of Mathematics and Philosophy. Offered also as a first-year course MATH1042 (see the entry of the Mathematics Department). |
| Incompatibility |
MATH1007 Poetry of the Universe MATH1042 Philosophy of the Cosmos PHIL2058 Poetry of the Universe |
| Majors/Specialisations | Philosophy |
| Academic Contact | Jason Grossman and Dayal Wickramasinghe |
The information published on the Study at ANU 2010 website applies to the 2010 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2009 website.
