Dogmatism and Theoretical Pluralism in Modern Cosmology

TL;DR

This paper examines dogmatic tendencies in modern cosmology and proposes philosophical principles of theoretical pluralism, inspired by Ludwig Boltzmann, as a way to promote scientific openness and reduce dogmatism.

Contribution

It introduces a philosophical framework based on Boltzmann's epistemological theses to counteract dogmatism in contemporary cosmology.

Findings

Historical warnings about dogmatism in cosmology.

Application of Boltzmann's theories to modern research practices.

Reduction of dogmatic behaviors through philosophical principles.

Abstract

This work discusses the presence of a dogmatic tendency within modern cosmology, and some ideas capable of neutralizing its negative influence. It is verified that warnings about the dangers of dogmatic thinking in cosmology can be found as early as the 1930's, and we discuss the modern appearance of "scientific dogmatism". The solution proposed to counteract such an influence, which is capable of neutralizing this dogmatic tendency, has its origins in the philosophical thinking of the Austrian physicist Ludwig Boltzmann (1844-1906). In particular we use his two main epistemological theses, scientific theories as representations of nature and theoretical pluralism, to show that once they are embodied in the research practice of modern cosmology, there is no longer any reason for dogmatic behaviours.