The concept of observation and its role in astronomy teaching: an epistemological approach

Authors

  • Maximiliano Bozzoli Facultad de Filosofía y Humanidades, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, CP 5000, Córdoba, Argentina

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55767/2451.6007.v32.n1.28941

Keywords:

Epistemology and history of astronomy; Observation; Experimentation; Gravitational Lens; Astronomy teaching

Abstract

Taking into account the realism-antirealism debate in philosophy of science and considering a particular astronomical case study, this paper will present how epistemology and history of science allow an accessible approach to topics of interest concerning the teaching of such scientific discipline. Precisely, through historical exploration of gravitational lenses in the universe, reflections on observational and experimental practices make it easier to understand complex astrophysical phenomena, when they are taught. This way, not only the teaching-learning process within different levels of education, but also diffusion of astronomy in general, are improved with the contribution that this type of interdisciplinary work may offer.

References

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Hacking, I. (1989). Extragalactic Reality: The Case of Gravitational Lensing. Philosophy of Science, 56(4), 555-581.

Little, M. (2000). Rethinking ‘Experimentation’. Philosophy of Science Association, 2000 Biannual Meeting. Contribut-ed papers, 1-10.

Shapere, D. (1993). Astronomy and Antirealism. Philosophy of Science, 60(1), 134-150.

Sersic, J. L. (1991). Reflexiones sobre la enseñanza y difusión de la astronomía. Revista de Enseñanza de la Física. 4(1), 28-34.

van Fraassen, C. B. (1980). The Scientific Image. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Zwicky, F. (1937a). Nebulae as Gravitational Lenses. Physical Review, 51(4), 290.

Zwicky, F. (1937b). On the Probability of Detecting Nebulae Which Act as Gravitational Lenses. Physical Review, 51(8), 679.

Published

2020-06-15

How to Cite

Bozzoli, M. (2020). The concept of observation and its role in astronomy teaching: an epistemological approach. Journal of Physics Teaching, 32(1), 157–173. https://doi.org/10.55767/2451.6007.v32.n1.28941

Issue

Section

Essays and Special Topics