Anthropomorphism and Anthropocentrism in the Cosmological Enterprise

Abstract

<p>The question raised in this thesis is whether it is appropriate to criticize a cosmological theory for being anthropomorphic or anthropocentric. I answer this question through a discussion of Philo's analysis of anthropomorphism as found in David Hume's Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion. Philo's analysis, however, is not limited to anthropomorphism and he also presents a major challenge to cosmology in general. I use Philo's comments on cosmology to assess modern anthropocentric theories. The concluding section of the thesis deals with Philo's opposition to cosmology and shows how anthropomorphic and anthropocentric viewpoints can still be included in cosmology.</p>