Date of Award

4-6-2025

Document Type

Thesis

First Advisor

Avery Archer

Second Advisor

Alexander Komives

Third Advisor

Marcia McKelligan

Abstract

What does physics have to say about the end of our universe? And what does it mean for us, if anything? Answering these questions requires an understanding of the so-called "lambda-cold dark matter" (ΛCDM) model of cosmology, which models the universe as containing an expanding pressure, Λ or dark energy, in a battle with the gravitational attraction provided by dark and regular matter. First, the physics (including observations and theory) of the ΛCDM, including the Big Bang and CMB, the inflationary period, and equations that govern the way the size of the universe changes with respect to time for different components are explored. Given different components, potential fates of the universe that may come from the ΛCDM, including a continued accelerated expansion, referred to as a "Big Chill," and a recollapse into a singularity like the Big Bang referred to as the "Big Crunch" are compared. Reactions to these fates of the universe differ depending on individual beliefs and backgrounds. Then, the philosophical implications of these models are explored. First, the ways philosophy can (and cannot) contribute to cosmology are discussed. Then, an overview of particular philosophy of cosmology issues, including epistemological concerns of the ΛCDM, the role uncertainties play in drawing conclusions, possible connections to religion including fine tuning, the cosmological argument, and the anthropic principle, are explored.

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