The structure and interpretation of cosmology: Part I—general relativistic cosmology
Section snippets
Geometry and topology
Let us review and clarify the topological and geometrical aspects of the Friedmann–Robertson–Walker (FRW) models of general relativistic cosmology. Whilst doing so will contribute to the overall intention of this paper to clarify, by means of precise mathematical concepts, the notions of modern cosmology, there are further philosophical motivations: firstly, to emphasise the immense variety of possible topologies and geometries for our universe, consistent with empirical (i.e. astronomical)
Spatially homogeneous cosmologies
As a continuation to the rationale of the opening section, the philosophical purpose of this section is to explain and emphasise the immense variety of spatially homogeneous cosmological models which are consistent with astronomical observation, or which serve to highlight the variety of possible universes similar to our own. This section will also clarify the Bianchi classification, and the relationship between the spatially homogeneous models and the FRW models.
The spatially homogeneous class
The epistemology of cosmology
To elucidate the nature and scope of astronomical and cosmological knowledge, the philosophical purpose of this section is to precisely clarify, using the concept of the celestial sphere, the relationship between general relativity and astronomical observation and measurement. En route, the nature of colour in astronomical observation is clarified, and an iconoclastic scenario suggested by Arp, Burbidge, Hoyle, Narlikar, and Wickramasinghe (1990) is used as a case study of the relationship
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