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Based on the assigned readings in Ellis and ECR given on the syllabus. Also use the cosmology hand-out in developing answers
What are the aims of cosmology?
How does Ellis define "the universe"? (see p. 50)
Describe the relevant facts of the Hot Big Bang theory of the universe.
(Include in your answer the age of the universe, a description of what happened in the first three minutes, and a brief discussion of "nucleosynthesis.")
Is the Hot Big Bang theory testable? Describe the general logic of testing, and then support your answer with facts. (Hint: we discussed 3 tests)
Is the Hot Big Bang theory currently a good scientific theory? Use the criteria developed by Kosso, Popper, AND THAGARD, and the surprise principle in developing your answer.
Give a brief description of the theory of cosmic inflation, and explain the problem that the theory is supposed to solve.
What is “Dark Matter”? Why was this concept invented? What kind of evidence is there to support its existence?
What are the three main rival hypotheses about the end of the universe?
What information do scientists need in order to choose between these hypotheses? (Your answer should define and discuss "dark matter" and the omega factor)
Do you think that the question of how the universe will end is a scientific question or not, and why?
What is the "particle horizon" and how does it affect our knowledge of cosmology?
What is the relation between our knowledge of the origins of the universe and our knowledge of the nature of the 4 fundamental physical forces? (p. 75ff)
What are some of the problems facing cosmologists in their attempts to construct a model of the universe? Which of these problems could be solved in principle by collecting more data, and which can’t, and why? [ your answers to #9 and #10 are relevant here]
Do these problems stand in the way of cosmology being a genuine science, and why?
What is Olber’s paradox, and what point is Ellis trying to make by discussing it?
Identify 4 "finely tuned" physical properties of the universe that are necessary for the existence of intelligent life. What question is raised by “fine-tuning” of the universe?
Give a clear statement of the Weak anthropic principle (WAP) and the Strong anthropic principle (SAP), and explain why WAP is not controversial and why SAP is controversial.
(p. 94-99) Ellis discusses 5 possible answers to the question of Ultimate causation. Explain what the question of ultimate causation is. Then describe each of the 5 answers to this question, clarifying how each answers the question of ultimate causation.
Is the question of ultimate causation a scientific question or a philosophical/religious question? Can data, the surprise principle, and Kosso’s internal virtues help us to choose which is the best explanation?
Pick two of Ellis’ 5 possible answers to the question of ultimate causation and describe them. Which explanation seems better in light of the criteria of testability, plausibility, entrenchment, etc.?
According to Ellis, can a person build a world-view on science alone? Why or why not?
What is the difference between science and scientism? Can scientific evidence be produced in support of scientism? (See the reading by Haught on ECR)
Be able to define and describe four attitudes concerning the relationship between science and religion: conflict, contrast, contact, and confirmation. b. Which attitude does Richards seem to support. Give concrete details to support your answer. c. Which attitude does Ellis seem to support? Give concrete details to support your answer. d. Which attitude do YOU support and why?