Understanding The Universe

(4 Credits)

We live in the universe, but do we really understand it? The struggle to make sense of the cosmos and our place in it is one of the defining aspects of human civilization. This class is an interdisciplinary exploration of how scientists talk about the universe, and particularly the way scientific knowledge and methods intertwine with issues in philosophy, religion, and other socio-cultural perspectives. We discuss the history of how scientists came to understand the nature of stars, galaxies, black holes, extra-terrestrial life, the “Big Bang,” and the apparent “fine tuning” of the laws of nature. We will examine not just ideas about the universe (What is it? Where did it come from?), but also the techniques used to arrive at those conclusions (observations and theories), literary and visual representations of the universe, and larger philosophical issues (Why are we here? Is there only one universe?). Readings may include: Newton, Kant, Einstein, Sagan, and Hawking.