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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

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.

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!

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26 - 50 of 209 Reviews for Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences

By Md. A S K

Jul 5, 2020

This was a beautifully structured and comprehensive introductory course to the philosophy of physical sciences. Primarily, being not a student of cosmology or philosophy, I learned a lot from this course. Since when the lectures were recorded many developments have taken place in the field of cosmology, especially regarding the evidence of Gravitational waves. Therefore, I would recommend updating the materials with the latest developments if possible (e.g., by adding or two additional videos). Lastly, I would express my heart-felt gratitude to the course instructor for their efforts to make things easy.

By Aedrian A

Jan 19, 2021

This amazing course highlights the intersection and interaction of philosophy and the physical sciences through the history of the latter fields' understanding of the universe. While, admittedly, the physics (and the mathematics) involved is quite overwhelming for someone like me in the life and biomedical sciences, one can never be wrong in taking note of the illustrative examples in the context of the mental-philosophical processes through which the best minds of our species attempt to make sense of physical entities and forces far greater than ourselves.

By Andrew F

Oct 18, 2021

A well thought out and clearly presented overview of cosmology and some of the philosophical questions it raises. A more critical assessment of the cosmology (e.g. the repeated ad-hoc invocation of new auxilliary hypotheses rather than questioning a primary theory; whether string theory can be used to justify anything, since it can justify everything) would be more interesting, in my view. The section on the anthropic principle did not convince me that this is anything other than a tautology, despite some wordplay to try and get out of this difficulty.

By Mukkamala V S

May 10, 2023

Excellent Course. I have learnt very new concepts and it change my view on universe and the Physical sciences. It is thought provoking. It gave a sense of feeling that science and philosophy merged at a higher plane of point of thinking. The course is well structured and flow of content is logical. The quizzes were designed good and can be attempted only when the concepts are clear. Thank you for the beautiful course by the teaching staff and the support staff to make it happen.

By Renee K

Sep 17, 2020

This is the 5th Philosophy course I've taken on coursera and I never knew that I would actually enjoy learning about the physical sciences such as physics and cosmology...I've never done cosmology before but I've learned so much in this course and I would like to thank the lectures that took there time creating such an exciting course for anyone to do. I would highly recommend any particular person interested in philosophy and sciences to take this course.

By Ellen W

Mar 18, 2019

I loved this course! I have a particular interest in the philosophy of science (specifically epistemic beliefs), but found that I got so much out of this class with the cosmology connections. Admittedly, I do have a background in both physics and philosophy, so I was able to follow the material easily, but others may require more attention to the videos themselves. However, this is THE FIRST MOOC that I have taken the time to complete; well, done!

By Raphy E

May 13, 2020

Hello, I enjoyed every moment of the course. It was very well and clearly explained. As an aged person, it was not easy for me, yet I kept learning first for the pleasure, but also for keeping my mind busy.

I for sure Will continue learning at Coursera and at EdinburghUniversity.

One small remark, more readable notes black on white should be used on the blackboard.

Thank you and best regards

By KP

Jun 19, 2021

I have learnt so much in this course. The topics in each week are very interesting with well-balanced philosophical thinking and scientific data. The course is an introductory but indeed challenging; very informative and induce critical-thinking. I would recommend anyone who have interest in Philosophy and Science to take this course. It is really an eye-opening journey!

By Giovanni F

Oct 15, 2020

Mind blowing course! Reccomended to anyone with poor knowledge in cosmology or whoever wants to flex a bit our assumptions on outside world. "Hard science" bits require particular concentration, but it is totally worth it! Michela Massimi, John Peacock, Alasdair Richmond are amazing! Super high quality contents! And don't miss the other course on Cognitive Sciences!

By Adrián D C

Apr 14, 2020

The course has a very concise and well-paced presentation. The lecturers are very clear in their explanations and the additional reading material complements very well the information given. This course is a must to get familiarised with the way science works through in order to formulate a scientific theory that explains the phenomena we can observe.

By ruth p

Jul 10, 2018

En mi opinión, encontraré este curso muy interesante, alto nivel académico de sus instructores. Esta introducción a la Filosofía de las Ciencias Físicas forma un enfoque completo del tema. Recomiendo estos cursos a cualquiera que ame el conocimiento. Me siento muy agradecido con los instructores de los cursos y la plataforma de Coursera.

By Guillermo C A

May 15, 2020

I think it is a great course

It was very important for me to know the methods and processes of science seen from philosophy. I found the case of cosmology from metaphysics to becoming a physical science very exciting, and also how Professor J. Peacock summarizes the most important facts of modern cosmology, I find it awesome!

By Javier M

Jun 29, 2017

A comprehensive course for a specific subject. The videos are easy to follow and the additional readings provide even more depth to the corresponding topics. I find that the course is very interesting not only for the philosophical/scientific minded, but for most people in general.

By Carolina C

Jan 24, 2023

Un curso muy intenso y muy interesante. Muy bien organizado con videos, PDF's, con lecturas extras y mucha información interesante. Me ha encantado poder aprender una pequeña parte de los estudios de nuestro universo a través de grandes profesionales y profesores.

Gracias! : )

By Pablo G A

Jun 18, 2017

I enjoyed so much this course! I think it is very well scheduled and structured. I also liked a lot the introduced scientific topics.

I am also taking advantage of these courses of the University of Edinburgh for practice English language, and I highly recommend them.

Thanks!

By Juan P I R

Apr 29, 2021

It is an excellent course where you learn about an introductory part of the philosophy of sciences but also greatly connected and nurtured with a beautiful explanation about the origins and composition of the universe - it was a great experience - Thank you!

By E T

Jul 28, 2021

Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this course. I will keep on reading and viewing the materials for me to master more the concepts and skills contained. I am grateful as well for the grant. This can help me better help students under my care.

By Joshua S

Dec 20, 2020

I loved the course. At times the jargon of the philosophy can get somewhat confusing. But both the philosophical concepts and the topics discussed in the physical science segments of the course are very well structured and explained clearly and concisely.

By María B

Jul 20, 2022

This course has been critical to decide what am I going to study in collage, and thanks to this course I've found out that I can apply what I love from philosophy into what I love from science. I would love if there would be a part two of this topic

By Liz D G

Apr 15, 2021

I have a great opportunity to understand an introduction of Philosophy and the Sciences with amazing professors, approaches, articles, and additional lectures. Also, triggered by this course I will love to continue my education in this field.

By Hussain A

Jun 7, 2021

The course is powerful. I am a chemist, and I enjoyed every single moment during this course. Many thanks for all the professors whom were responsible for presenting this course as it is, and special thanks also to University of Edinburgh.

By Sadash K

May 31, 2022

one of the best course which talk about cosmology with pure asthetics and metaphysics involment of science and philosophy which is beyond science

loved this course a lot thank you so much Edinsburgh university and thank you Coursera

By Javier R G

May 1, 2021

Topics are extremely interesting and deep. As the course advances you get more and more involved. I have been allways attracted by Cosmology Theories but I was very outdated in my knowledge until now. Lecturers are very good.

By Jordan T

Nov 29, 2020

It was very interesting to to understand the link between philosophy and science properly for the first time and raises good fundamental questions about reality such as the true origin of life in the universe.