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Introduction

Toward a Unified History and Philosophy of Astronomy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 July 2026

By
Steven J. Dick
Edited by
Steven J. Dick
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Summary

Philosophical problems infuse the theory and practice of astronomy, including metaphysical foundations and influences, the limits of reasoning as in black holes and the multiverse, the problematic nature of observation and inference ranging from the canals of Mars to dark matter and dark energy, the role of technology and science policy in our present understanding of the universe, and the epistemological status of astronomy and its central concepts, including space and time, life and intelligence. The conceptual and methodological foundations and challenges of astronomy have not received systematic attention as they have in other fields such as philosophy of physics and biology. Here we argue for a unified history and philosophy of astronomy to include not only classical astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology but also space science and astrobiology. Examining such influences is an important step toward scientific advance. In this volume, fifteen historians of science, ten philosophers of science, and five scientists combine to analyze these influences. In addition to being useful for astronomers, historians, and philosophers of science, for the first time a book on the philosophy of astronomy is written for a broad audience.

Keywords

realismhistory and philosophy of sciencephilosophy of astronomyphilosophy of sciencephilosophy of physicsastrobiologyphilosophy of cosmologyastrophysicsmetaphysicsepistemology

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Chapter
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Astronomy and Philosophy
Conceptual and Methodological Foundations and Challenges
 , pp. 1 - 21
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2026

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