Ontological Categorizations and Selection Biases in Cosmology: the case of Extra Galactic Objects

TL;DR

This paper explores how different ontological assumptions influence the understanding of selection biases in cosmology, emphasizing the importance of background metaphysical theories in astrophysical object detection.

Contribution

It introduces a novel perspective on the role of ontological categorizations and metaphysical presuppositions in analyzing selection biases in cosmology.

Findings

Highlighting the significance of background theories in understanding selection effects

Demonstrating the impact of ontological assumptions on astrophysical object detection

Proposing a new approach to scientific research in cosmology

Abstract

One of the innovative approaches in contemporary philosophical ontology consists in the assumption of a plurality of ontologies based on different metaphysical presuppositions. Such presuppositions involve, among others, the identification of relevant properties for the objects of our domain as a guiding principle in uncovering what it is to be considered intrinsic and what could be the mere effect of selection preferences based on objective or subjective criteria. A remarkable example of the application of a background metaphysical theory in astrophysics is the problem of selection biases in detecting cosmological objects, such as supernovae, galaxies and gamma-ray bursts. We will show that it is valuable to be aware of the importance of uncovering this type of background theory to better understand selection effects and to promote a novel approach in scientific research.