P. J. E. Peebles
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- January 2021
- ISBN:
- 9780691196022
- eISBN:
- 9780691201665
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691196022.003.0010
- Subject:
- Physics, Particle Physics / Astrophysics / Cosmology
This chapter explores some lessons to be drawn from the historical development of cosmology, which may illustrate the nature of the enterprise of natural science. It is obvious but must be stated ...
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This chapter explores some lessons to be drawn from the historical development of cosmology, which may illustrate the nature of the enterprise of natural science. It is obvious but must be stated that research in the natural sciences depends on technology that was developed largely for other purposes. Technology enabled far more efficient measurements of galaxy redshifts. However, the technology that made this possible was not aimed at astronomy; it was adapted, in part for the purpose of obtaining enough data on galaxy positions and motions for a meaningful determination of the cosmic mean mass density. It is also obvious that the ways of research in science are the ways people tend to operate in general. A working condition that may be particularly relevant for cosmology is the tendency to take a personal interest in the results: how did our universe begin, what is it like now, and how might it end? The chapter then considers the social construction of science.Less
This chapter explores some lessons to be drawn from the historical development of cosmology, which may illustrate the nature of the enterprise of natural science. It is obvious but must be stated that research in the natural sciences depends on technology that was developed largely for other purposes. Technology enabled far more efficient measurements of galaxy redshifts. However, the technology that made this possible was not aimed at astronomy; it was adapted, in part for the purpose of obtaining enough data on galaxy positions and motions for a meaningful determination of the cosmic mean mass density. It is also obvious that the ways of research in science are the ways people tend to operate in general. A working condition that may be particularly relevant for cosmology is the tendency to take a personal interest in the results: how did our universe begin, what is it like now, and how might it end? The chapter then considers the social construction of science.
