Discussing the nature of science from history of cosmology episodes

• Grant number: 08/00031-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2008
• End date: February 28, 2009
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Education - Specific topics in Education
• Principal Investigator: Cibelle Celestino Silva
• Grantee: Alexandre Bagdonas Henrique
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This proposal aims at discussing topics of Nature of Science (NOS) from the study of history of cosmology topics. In order to carry it out, the student will study some of the most important epistemological ideas about NOS currently accepted and historical studies on the history of cosmology as well. Chiefly this research intends to rise, select and analyze NOS issues that can be brought to light from the history of 19th and 20th centuries cosmology, when crucial developments of physical theories and astronomical observational apparatus took place.