Is cosmology a science?

Cosmology is based on a lot of independent observations which cannot be subject to replication or repetition.

So why is considered a science?

 

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Who said that it was?

Baron Max

 

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The cosmologists?

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Oh, well in that case, Baron Max is a compassionate, loving, understanding, tolerant, liberal humanitarian.

Baron Max

 

I know.

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:wtf:

 

It is considered a science by those who understand science. That is why your OP is flawed.

 

There is only an n of one.

 

Huh?

 

Is cosmology a science?

not always.

 

cosmology: study of universe. n of one.

e.g.

Is this right?

Isn't this all speculative considering there is no way to falsify it?

 

In what way is it a science?

 

there are peer-reviewed journals on it?

that's enough to qualify it as science.

Doesn't mean it isn't all crackpot of course. Similar to physics.

 

This is silly. Physics, astrophysics (cosmology) and relativity are all sciences. I don't see why anyone wouldn't see them as such, since all three principles are supposed to be the unification of physics in general.

 

You are referring to Metaphysical Cosmology; ie. philosophy.

Cosmology as science is the branch of astrophysics that studies the origin, evolution and structure of the universe.

Hope that helps your understanding of cosmology as a science.

 

Q is correct. Cosmology synthesizes quantum, nuclear, and gravitational phenomena to paint a picture of the most likely history of the universe. It makes testable (falsifiable) predictions based on the constraints of the model being used. The CMB was predicted by Lemaitre (a priest BTW) and discovered by Penzias and Wilson at Bell Labs. It predicts the observed cosmic abundances of hydrogen, helium, and some other light elements as a result of Big Bang nucleosynthesis. It predicts cosmic expansion. Etc...

Cosmology's foundational observations are fully repeatable. There is a distinction between experimental sciences and observational sciences.

 

Yes, but since there is only one universe (that we know of), is there any way to falsify a theory?

 

Ummm... There's only one earth, so is "earth" sciencs a science? Or geology? Or Meterology? All specific to our one and only earth?

C'mon sam. If you don't want cosmology to be a science (i.e. you're sick of it treading on your mystical theological turf) just say so!

 

Of course. See my post.

 

Yes, it is called, "The Scientific Method."