Edward Robert Harrison

Astronomer

Edward Robert Harrison was a renowned cosmologist and philosopher known for his influential ideas on the universe and time.

Born
March 1, 1945
Quotes
7
Rank
#3401

About Edward Robert Harrison

Edward Robert Harrison — Life and Legacy

Edward Robert Harrison was a distinguished cosmologist and philosopher whose work significantly impacted our understanding of the universe. His exploration of complex ideas, particularly in his influential book 'Cosmology: The Science of the Universe,' challenged conventional views and encouraged deeper inquiry into the nature of reality. Harrison's core thinking revolves around the interplay between science and philosophy, as he often stated, 'The universe is not only queerer than we suppose, but queerer than we can suppose.' This quote encapsulates his belief that the mysteries of the cosmos extend beyond human comprehension, urging us to embrace the unknown rather than shy away from it. His writings reflect a commitment to scientific rigor while also acknowledging the philosophical implications of cosmological discoveries. The relevance of Harrison's insights persists today, as they inspire both scientists and philosophers to question the boundaries of knowledge. His ability to bridge the gap between empirical science and abstract thought continues to resonate, encouraging a holistic approach to understanding the universe.

Quote collection

Edward Robert Harrison quotes

7 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.

Edward Robert Harrison Astronomer
Popular

"Here is the cosmological proof of the existence of God - the design argument of Paley - updated and refurbished. The fine tuning of the universe provides prima facie evidence of deistic design. Take your choice: blind chance that requires multitudes of universes or design that requires only one.... Many scientists, when they admit their views, incline toward the teleological or design argument."

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Edward Robert Harrison Astronomer
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"Hydrogen is a light, odorless gas, which, given enough time, turns into people."

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Edward Robert Harrison Astronomer
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"The stars begin to fade like guttering candles and are snuffed out one by one. Out in the depths of space the great celestial cities, the galaxies cluttered with the memorabilia of ages, are gradually dying. Tens of billions of years pass in the growing darkness ... of a universe condemned to become a galactic graveyard."

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Edward Robert Harrison Astronomer
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"Human beings of all societies in all periods of history believe that their ideas on the nature of the real world are the most secure, and that their ideas on religion, ethics and justice are the most enlightened. Like us, they think that final knowledge is at last within reach. Like us, they pity the people in earlier ages for not knowing the true facts. Unfailingly, human beings pity their ancestors for being so ignorant and forget that their descendants will pity them for the same reason."

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Edward Robert Harrison Astronomer
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"The fine tuning of the universe provides prima facie evidence of deistic design."

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Edward Robert Harrison Astronomer
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"'By convention there is color, by convention sweetness, by convention bitterness, but in reality there are atoms and the void,' announced Democritus. The universe consists only of atoms and the void; all else is opinion and illusion. If the soul exists, it also consists of atoms."

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Edward Robert Harrison Astronomer
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"Why are the heavens not filled with light? Why is the universe plunged into darkness?"

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