2003PhilSci-Archive (University of Pittsburgh)Requires access

The Structure and Interpretation of Cosmology

Gordon McCabe

Open publisher page 11 citations

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to review, clarify, and critically analyse modern mathematical cosmology. The emphasis is upon the mathematical structures involved, rather than numerical computations. The opening section reviews and clarifies the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker models of General Relativistic Cosmology, while Section 2 deals with the spatially homogeneous models. Particular attention is paid to the topological and geometrical aspects of these models. Section 3 explains how the mathematical formalism can be linked with astronomical observation. Sections 4 and 5 provide a critical analysis of Inflationary Cosmology and Quantum Cosmology, with particular attention to the claims made that these theories can explain the creation of the universe.

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What this paper is about

The purpose of this paper is to review, clarify, and critically analyse modern mathematical cosmology. The emphasis is upon the mathematical structures involved, rather than numerical computations. The opening section reviews and clarifies the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker models of General Relativistic Cosmology, while Section 2 deals with the spatially homogeneous models. Particular attention is paid to the topological and geometrical aspects of these models. Section 3 explains how the mathematical formalism can be linked with astronomical observation. Sections 4 and 5 provide a critical analysis of Inflationary Cosmology and Quantum Cosmology, with particular attention to the claims made that these theories can explain the creation of the universe.

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OpenAlex reports 11 citations for this work. Citation counts describe recorded attention and do not establish research quality.

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Available abstract

The purpose of this paper is to review, clarify, and critically analyse modern mathematical cosmology. The emphasis is upon the mathematical structures involved, rather than numerical computations. The opening section reviews and clarifies the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker models of General Relativistic Cosmology, while Section 2 deals with the spatially homogeneous models. Particular attention is paid to the topological and geometrical aspects of these models. Section 3 explains how the mathematical formalism can be linked with astronomical observation. Sections 4 and 5 provide a critical analysis of Inflationary Cosmology and Quantum Cosmology, with particular attention to the claims made that these theories can explain the creation of the universe.

Key concepts: Cosmology, Quantum cosmology, Theoretical physics, Physics, Non-standard cosmology, Formalism (music), Section (typography), Interpretation (philosophy)

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