ONLINE: What is our meaning and purpose in our cosmos? We have struggled with these existential questions for as long as there have been humans. Typically, this search has focused inward, looking to ourselves for answers. In this lecture-based course, we look outward at the universe to debate our existence. We start with a survey of current knowledge of stars, galaxies and the universe, and then discuss the great outstanding cosmological questions: What is dark matter? What is dark energy? What is the nature of black holes? How did the universe begin? How will it end? What is the role of life, and intelligence, in the cosmos? And what is our role? We end with a far-ranging discussion of our species’ need to explore, survive and thrive to find purpose and meaning in this cosmos. The answer is not here, it is out there. | Lecture + Q&A.
Max enrollment: 200.
Class sessions are recorded.
