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Introduction

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2024

Slobodan Perovic
Affiliation:
University of Belgrade
Milan M. Cirkovic
Affiliation:
Astronomical Observatory of Belgrade, Serbia
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Summary

The introductory chapter presents the key features of the historical and philosophical analysis of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation, focusing on little known alternative explanations to the Hot Big Bang model that ultimately became the standard interpretation of the CMB. The book challenges the common perception of a swift consensus on the CMB’s explanation by revealing multiple valid alternative hypotheses that are largely forgotten today. It argues this has hindered a comprehensive understanding of the history and methodology of cosmology, as well as the ability to draw important philosophical lessons for contemporary cosmological research. The chapter emphasizes the need to understand the epistemic role of the CMB in cosmology and its implications for addressing criticisms of the field. It highlights the diverse range of alternative theories proposed and suggests revisiting these theories may yield valuable ideas and conjectures for modern cosmology. It emphasizes that overlooking alternatives can impede progress. The discussion covers various aspects, from the controversial beginnings of physical cosmology to the characterization of the orthodox interpretation of the CMB, epistemological and methodological concerns, and both moderate and radical alternatives, drawing lessons for the present and future of cosmological research.

Type
Chapter
Information
The Cosmic Microwave Background
Historical and Philosophical Lessons
, pp. 1 - 4
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2024

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  • Introduction
  • Slobodan Perovic, University of Belgrade, Milan M. Cirkovic, Astronomical Observatory of Belgrade, Serbia
  • Book: The Cosmic Microwave Background
  • Online publication: 09 July 2024
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108951968.001
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To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Dropbox.

  • Introduction
  • Slobodan Perovic, University of Belgrade, Milan M. Cirkovic, Astronomical Observatory of Belgrade, Serbia
  • Book: The Cosmic Microwave Background
  • Online publication: 09 July 2024
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108951968.001
Available formats
×

Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • Introduction
  • Slobodan Perovic, University of Belgrade, Milan M. Cirkovic, Astronomical Observatory of Belgrade, Serbia
  • Book: The Cosmic Microwave Background
  • Online publication: 09 July 2024
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108951968.001
Available formats
×