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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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51 - 75 of 209 Reviews for Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences

By Aarn A

Aug 21, 2020

Very informative + entertaining. The mathematics was over my head, but understanding not essential for this course. Provided me with a great refresher into concepts I couldn't understand 40 years ago. Cheers

By Nitin J

Jun 2, 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!

By Azmi K

Oct 5, 2020

Thx to the professors for a wonderful overivew in understanding our universe. Also the role of the anthropic principle and philosophical approaches in advancing scientific progress in cosmology.

By Krishnamoorthy.R

Jun 7, 2018

Nice slides.Lectures are well prepared .Quizzes are relevant to the subject and thoughtfully worded so that even wrong choices also contribute to the knowledge of the study material.

By Rodrigo d S R

Aug 25, 2019

Amazingly mindblowing and interesting. Even though some of the explanations on dark energy and why it has an expanding effect on the universe are quite hard to understand and grasp.

By F. A

Feb 11, 2018

Un curso muy útil para todos aquellos interesados en la relación entre física y filosofía. Entrega herramientas precisas para reconocer los problemas filosóficos de la cosmología.

By Carlos E D M

Mar 2, 2023

I liked this course. Is a great opportunity by to learn into the one of the institutions more prestigies in the academic world as the University of Edinburgh joint to Coursera.

By Caroline T

Oct 17, 2023

Extremely interesting topics made simple for us to understand and grasps the basic understanding of our Universe. Great contents delivered by passionate instructors.

By Luis J

May 4, 2019

Excellent course, with the contribution of professionals,

that manage to transmit not only the knowledge but the questions to solve, Transmitted in excellent form.

By Ellasa S

Dec 4, 2019

This was a beautiful overview and introduction to the philosophy of physical sciences. I am excited about taking more courses with/at The University of Edinburgh.

By Michaela K

Mar 8, 2023

I do not want to repeat myself, but it is really a kind of dream for me to be able to listen to the professors at your University of Edinburgh in Scotland!

By angela f

Apr 25, 2022

The material is challenging, but presented clearly enough and at just the right level to be understandable. The instructors and engaging and enjoyable.

By VINOD T P

May 30, 2020

The course was fascinating and inspirational. It revealed to me the connection between science and philosophy in the context of cutting edge knowledge.

By Rulx N

Apr 25, 2019

Important notions to learn for who is interested in science; this could help us better communicate with each other particularly with science opponents

By Robert M

Dec 4, 2022

Cosmology is a science that talk about Dark energy and Dark matter about the horizon, the big bang theory, inflation and light years of the stars.

By Tunca Y

Oct 23, 2023

Totally great instruction and instructioners, adhere to believe that this kind of work can only be from Edinburgh. Thanks to all contributors !

By Ahmad S

Aug 29, 2017

Great course! Special thanks to Prof. John Peacock as he explained all the information in a very simplistic way. I liked his videos so much

By Csaba D

Dec 24, 2019

I learned interesting ways of abording the subject of new theories. As a physics teacher, I will use some ideas in my everyday practice.

By Francisco A

Sep 1, 2017

A remarkable experience. Great lectures, beautiful surroundings, well chosen readings. I guess I will sign up for the second part of it.

By Héctor R R M

Jun 19, 2020

Curso muy interesante. El material se explica de forma clara, comprensible para cualquier audiencia y nivel de conocimiento previo.

By Jorge C

Apr 19, 2021

Great professors and instructions. Very good notes and made the process of learning about Universe expansion very interesting.

By Atimukta M

Dec 29, 2018

This course will let you dive into the depth of universe and see through the theories and reason for their existence till now.

By Malcolm C

Oct 30, 2020

Some of the dark energy stuff was a bit above my head but overall it was interesting and simple (but challenging) to follow.

By Chagari A P R

Jan 17, 2020

Bridges philosophy and cosmology seamlessly. Prof Peacock's lectures are brilliantly lucid. Wonderfully demystifying course.

By Hugh H

Sep 4, 2017

Fantastic material. Well delivered lectures. This course is challenging and requires you to pay close attention. I loved it.