In philosophy, cosmology is the branch of study that examines the origin and nature of the universe. It deals with the fundamental questions about the universes existence, its structure, and its relationship to human beings and other phenomena. Cosmology can be approached from both a physical and a metaphysical perspective, and it has been a subject of inquiry for centuries, with contributions from scientists, astronomers, physicists, and philosophers.
Cosmology in philosophy is distinct from cosmology as a scientific discipline, although the two are closely related. While scientific cosmology focuses on the empirical study of the universe's origins, evolution, and structure, philosophical cosmology delves into the deeper questions that may lie beyond the scope of scientific inquiry. These questions may be explored through appeals to other philosophical approaches, such as metaphysics and dialectics.
The relationship between cosmology and theology is also a significant aspect of philosophical inquiry. Throughout history, cosmological theories have often been intertwined with religious beliefs, and the notion of a deity has played a central role in many cosmological frameworks. However, the development of cosmology based on physics and astronomy has brought new perspectives to the discussion of the existence and role of God.