How do measure and know about the vast scale of the Universe?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on understanding how we measure and comprehend the vast scale of the universe, encompassing both macrocosmic and microcosmic perspectives. Participants explore the philosophical implications and scientific methods involved in these measurements, seeking a comprehensive view that integrates both domains.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire for guidance on how to understand the vastness of the universe from both scientific and philosophical perspectives.
  • Another participant suggests that our current understanding is built upon previous efforts, but acknowledges uncertainty about the correctness of these ideas.
  • A recommendation is made for a book, "Asimov's Guide to Science," which is said to provide a clear overview of various sciences and their historical context.
  • It is noted that the observable universe is vastly larger than a proton, quantified as approximately 10^44 times its size.
  • One participant questions the notion of an integrated scientific and philosophical view and seeks clarification on the original question regarding how science has discovered these vast concepts.
  • Another participant introduces the concept of the cosmological distance ladder, explaining that it begins with known measurement methods like parallax to determine distances to nearby stars, which then helps to measure further distances in the universe.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and perspectives on the integration of scientific and philosophical views, with some seeking clarification on the original question. There is no consensus on how to best approach the topic, and multiple viewpoints remain present.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations in the discussion include the lack of specific definitions for terms like "integrated view" and the unresolved nature of how scientific discoveries relate to philosophical understanding.

kyler.e
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To start, I'm not at all knowledgeable in physics; completely ignorant. Now, I know I could go ahead and research this on my own, but I've always felt like asking an actual interactive human being is the best way to gain direction compared to a lifeless search engine or book.

So how do we know of the vastness of the macrocosm and microcosm alike?

From a philosophical standing, this absolutely boggles my mind, and stimulates my spirit.

Yes, I know because this is what we observe through our senses aided by instruments. But I would like just a little bit of direction to what I should research to thoroughly understand how we can come to perceive something so transcendent and beyond our self, from an integrated view that is both scientific and philosophical.

EDIT: Image replaced with link to avoid stretching thread. Ryan_m_b
http://www.kratosguide.com/wp-content/gallery/mind-pictures/earth-universe-comparison.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvTe1-a6Pdo"

How!? I want to know your perspective.
 
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By recording previous peoples' efforts and building upon them we've come to our current viewpoint. Maybe correct, maybe not. Until we get a GUI no one knows for certain.

What direction should I point you to find out more about how we've come to these ideas?

College.
 
As particle physics and cosmology have merged into each other you can easily get lost in the parts. So I would recommend a book that provides an overview of all the sciences in a way that is not only lucid, concise and clear, but also gives one a taste for the history of science as well.

That book is Asimov's Guide to Science.
 
The observable universe is only about 10^44 the size of a proton.
 
kyler.e said:
To start, I'm not at all knowledgeable in physics; completely ignorant. Now, I know I could go ahead and research this on my own, but I've always felt like asking an actual interactive human being is the best way to gain direction compared to a lifeless search engine or book.

So how do we know of the vastness of the macrocosm and microcosm alike?

From a philosophical standing, this absolutely boggles my mind, and stimulates my spirit.

Yes, I know because this is what we observe through our senses aided by instruments. But I would like just a little bit of direction to what I should research to thoroughly understand how we can come to perceive something so transcendent and beyond our self, from an integrated view that is both scientific and philosophical.

How!? I want to know your perspective.

I don't see what you mean by an integrated scientific and philosophical view. I'm also not sure of you're question, are you asking how science as discovered these things?
 
More videos to blow your mind :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAVjF_7ensg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17jymDn0W6U
 
A lot of this question comes down to the cosmological distance ladder. WE start with simple ways of measuring distance we KNOW work. We can measure it right here in our chairs. For example, we KNOW parallax works. That's an easy way to get the distances to closeby stars. From there, we can use OTHER qualities of stars to determine the distances to stars and galaxies too far for parallax. We keep building up on things we KNOW the distance to to find the distances to things even further away.
 

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