Dialogues between Physics and Philosophy: the evolution of the concept of the Universe

Author: Antonio Aparicio Juan
Publication date: Pamplona, 19 October 2010

Prof. Antonio Aparicio Juan is Senior Associate Professor of the department of Astrophysics at the University of La Laguna since 1995 and accredited to Chair since 2009. He has been founder and president of the association for the Advancement of Science and Technology in Spain, between 1998 and 2001, and director of the department of Astrophysics of the University of La Laguna, as well as coordinator of the area of teaching of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias and member of its committee of Direction between 2003 and 2005.

summaryPhysics , as exploration and empirical understanding of nature, and Philosophy, as rational reflection on reality, constitute two basic pillars of the human knowledge . Establishing a dialogue between the two is fundamental. It is probably in the study and in the discussion about the Universe and its origin where this dialogue is more evident today. In this seminar the evolution of the concept of the Universe will be presented and the dialogue established between Physics and Philosophy will be reference letter as a consequence of it. The author will try to show the convenience of maintaining this dialogue in the light of the information provided by the current advances in Cosmology.