Cosmology : The Science of the Universe

An introduction to past and present cosmological theory that examines how the rise of the scientific method has informed our modern understanding of the universe. Thoroughly revised and updated, this second edition, originally published in 2000, has received high praise for Harrison's wide-ranging insights into the universe at large.

Cosmology: The Science of the Universe is an introduction to past and present cosmological theory. For much of the world''s history, cosmological thought was formulated in religious or philosophical language and was thus theological or metaphysical in nature. However, cosmological speculation and theory has now become a science in which the empirical discoveries of the astronomer, theoretical physicist, and biologist are woven into intricate models that attempt to account for the universe as a whole. Professor Harrison draws on the discoveries and speculations of these scientists to provide a comprehensive survey of man''s current understanding of the universe and its history. Tracing the rise of the scientific method, the major aim of this book is to provide an elementary understanding of the physical universe of modern times. Thoroughly revised and updated, this second edition extends the much acclaimed first edition taking into account the many developments that have occurred.