The limits of cosmology

TL;DR

This paper discusses fundamental limitations in cosmology, including observational horizons, our unique vantage point, dark components, and the lack of a complete physical theory for the early universe, which constrain our understanding of the cosmos.

Contribution

It highlights key conceptual and observational limitations that define the boundaries of current cosmological knowledge.

Findings

Identifies horizons as a fundamental limit to observation.

Emphasizes our unique position affects cosmological inferences.

Notes the absence of a comprehensive physical theory for the early universe.

Abstract

What can we know about the universe? I outline a few of the fundamental limitations that are posed to our understanding of the cosmos, such as the existence of horizons, the fact that we occupy a specific place in space and time, the possible presence of dark components, the absence of a reliable physical framework to interpret the behaviour of the very early universe.