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Science Meets Philosophy: The Universe

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Science Meets Philosophy: The Universe

Read the briefing, then explore what scientific evidence can explain and what philosophical or religious questions remain. Give reasons for your ideas and treat different viewpoints respectfully.

Briefing: evidence and big questions

Astronomers observe that distant galaxies are moving away from one another. This supports the idea that the universe has been expanding. The Big Bang model describes the universe developing from an extremely hot, dense early state around 13.8 billion years ago; it is not an explosion into empty space. Evidence such as the expansion of galaxies and the cosmic microwave background helps scientists test this model. Biologists use evidence including fossils, DNA and observations of living organisms to explain how populations change over generations. Evolution explains the diversity of life; it is not a theory about how the universe began. Science investigates questions that can be tested using observations and evidence. Questions such as “Why is there something rather than nothing?” or “Does the universe have a purpose?” are philosophical. Religious traditions may also offer accounts of creation and meaning. People disagree: some see scientific and religious explanations as compatible, while others see tension between particular claims. A fair comparison asks what kind of question is being asked and what reasons support each view.

Explore the evidence and ideas

1.Which statement best describes the Big Bang model?

The universe developed from a hot, dense early state and has expanded.
The universe exploded into empty space from a point in space.
It explains why every person has a purpose.
It describes how populations of living things change.

2.Choose two kinds of evidence from the briefing that help scientists investigate the universe.

3.True or false? Evolution explains how the universe began.

4.Complete the sentence: Scientists use observations and to test scientific models.

5.Sort each question by its main approach: scientific investigation, philosophical discussion, or both. (a) What evidence supports the expansion of the universe? (b) Does the universe have a purpose? (c) How old is the universe according to current measurements?

(a) Evidence for expansion
(b) Purpose of the universe
(c) Age according to measurements

Philosophical discussion
Scientific investigation
Scientific investigation

6.Evie says, “The Big Bang model proves that the universe has no purpose.” Explain why this conclusion does not follow directly from the scientific model.

7.Give one reason someone might think science and religion can be compatible, and one reason someone might think they conflict.

8.A classmate says, “There is no evidence for the universe expanding.” Write a respectful reply using one piece of evidence from the briefing, and explain how evidence supports a model without making every question certain.

9.Create one thoughtful question about the universe that scientific evidence alone may not settle. Then explain why it is philosophical or religious rather than a straightforward scientific test.