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The epistemic role of diversity and the metaphysical origins of the Big Bang Theory: reflections for science education

Abstract

Based on studies of the history and philosophy of science that emphasize its social nature, we argue that diversity strengthens science. We analyze cultural and metaphysical aspects that have influenced the creation of the Big Bang cosmology, discussing the relativistic models of the universe in expansion proposed by Friedman and Lemaître in the 1920s. While Friedman drew on views about birth, death, and resurrection in the USSR, Lemaître gained inspiration from the Catholic belief in the divine creation of the universe. Finally, we defend the educational relevance of this approach to varied cases, which can help consolidate the history and philosophy of science as a basis for more complex views about the nature of science.

Keywords
Philosophical cosmology; Nature of science; Multiculturalism; History of science; Big Bang theory

Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação para a Ciência, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências, campus de Bauru. Av. Engenheiro Luiz Edmundo Carrijo Coube, 14-01, Campus Universitário - Vargem Limpa CEP 17033-360 Bauru - SP/ Brasil , Tel./Fax: (55 14) 3103 6177 - Bauru - SP - Brazil
E-mail: revista@fc.unesp.br