Description
One hundred years ago, English mathematician and philosopher Alfred N. Whitehead published “Science and the Modern World”, noting that modern science has progressed through a dual focus on empirical data “for their own sake” and the mathematical frameworks that describe the underlying physical laws.
Over the last century, we have first witnessed a proliferation of theories to explain fundamental questions in physics and cosmology. Later, technological advancements enabled scientists to tackle previously intractable problems. Within astronomy, the expansion of datasets and widespread use of numerical simulations have gradually shifted the field away from paper-and-pen calculations as the primary means of predicting and interpreting observations.
Most recently, machine-learning techniques and artificial intelligence have been applied to astronomical research. Among their many applications, these tools allow for accurate descriptions of complex phenomena involving numerous parameters. However, relying on such powerful yet opaque models comes at a cost - do we risk sacrificing simpler, more intuitive explanations that offer deeper physical insight?
The time is ripe to reflect on whether these methodological advances signal a philosophical shift in how astronomers think about scientific progress. Are we abandoning Ockham’s razor, favouring complexity over simplicity? Does the ability to reproduce observations equate to true comprehension? How can we reconcile rapid technological progress with foundational philosophical principles to ensure sound scientific advancement?
Starting from these questions, this talk aims at sparking a lively and fruitful discussion with the audience on how we can recognise and track genuine progress in astronomical research.
