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

Learner Reviews & Feedback for Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences by The University of Edinburgh

4.7
stars
902 ratings

About the Course

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....

Top reviews

NJ

Jun 1, 2021

The course was really fun and enjoyable. The course offered a lot of information in a very simple way. All the instructors were very fluent with their explanation and I thoroughly enjoyed this course!

RB

Jan 28, 2017

Un curso muy completo y fácil de digerir sobre la cosmología y el principio antrópico, muy recomendable para la comprensión que se tiene sobre el universo actualmente y la razón de nuestra existencia.

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176 - 200 of 209 Reviews for Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences

By Polina M

May 21, 2020

A very interesting and useful introduction, I wish the video lectures where longer, but there's a whole lot of additional reading material after each lecture, so you can go further with learning every theme discussed by lectors!

By Andre A

Nov 23, 2019

I learned a lot about cosmology and it made me think about many aspects of Nature and existence. I was, though, expecting to learn more about philosophy of science than to cosmology. It was nice anyway. Thank you very much.

By Yoram T

May 24, 2021

I liked the start very much. The later physics was not clear enough for me.

Anyway, very interesting material which make you think (which is always a good thing).

By Alejandro N R

Mar 22, 2020

This course was very interesting, many parts of it connected pretty well with my prior knowledge but game me the opportunity to clarify some doubts.

By Leo T

Mar 11, 2022

This is a good course to dig deeper into how science is done and how we should question its validity and the correctness of scientific theories.

By stevens95@hotmail.com.au

Dec 9, 2022

I enjoyed the opportunity to gain an overview appreciation of the current state of cosmology. The course was highly professional. Thank you.

By Smruti M

Sep 10, 2017

An enlightening course that helps capture a brief history of the scientific method and aims to give some purpose to scientific pursuits.

By Alessio S

Nov 21, 2023

In my opinion very good quality of contents and form. I'm continuing with the 2nd "cognitive sciences" MOOC. Thanks for your work

By Mengyu T

Apr 18, 2017

A bit short. The discussions on cosmology is difficult to understand for someone like me who does not learn anything about yet.

By Deleted A

Apr 30, 2017

It was a really good course. Something very different for me. I just wish it was a litter longer than 4 weeks.

By Steve R

Sep 23, 2017

Great class. Some of the cosmology lectures were a bit hard to understand, but very interesting overall.

By Carlos O M

Sep 29, 2023

Esperaba que tuviera más contenido de filosofía de la ciencia, pero más parece un curso de cosmología.

By Joana C N T R

Oct 10, 2019

was expecting a more generalistic (not so focused on cosmology) course on episthemology

By Simran S

Aug 5, 2020

its very good but the languages and the words they use are slightly hard and complex

By Gabriel C

May 22, 2017

This course very much helpful to those who are new philosophy of science.

By Samuel F F

Jan 21, 2017

Esperava explicações mais simples dos fenômenos, muitas vezes me perdia

By Alex R

Mar 26, 2022

good, wish they'd go deeper into the evidence and theory

By Simone P

Jun 6, 2017

Astonishing insights. Very well taught.

By AIZA R A C

Oct 15, 2020

Mind blowing and informative

By Mohamedali K

Apr 20, 2022

Great course on Cosmology!

By D S

Apr 15, 2020

Really enjoyed it!

By Roy H

May 21, 2022

kind of confusing

By Anuj K

Jul 6, 2020

very informative

By Dr.FAKRUDDIN B S

May 4, 2020

Very Good

By Cliff S

Sep 11, 2016

Though familiar with the material, the lectures made several very nice key points about the Philosophy of Science which I found useful. However there are a few issues :

-a lot of the lecturing is on a board which is hard to read

-there is a lot more science than there is Philosophy

The latter isn't necessarily a bad thing, but based on the title I expected more of the latter.