Title: Cosmology and the Origin of the Universe: Historical and Conceptual Perspectives,
Abstract: From a modern perspective cosmology is a historical science in so far that it
deals with the development of the universe since its origin some 14 billion
years ago. The origin itself may not be subject to scientific analysis and
explanation. Nonetheless, there are theories that claim to explain the ultimate
origin or "creation" of the universe. As shown by the history of cosmological
thought, the very concept of "origin" is problematic and can be understood in
different ways. While it is normally understood as a temporal concept, cosmic
origin is not temporal by necessity. The universe can be assigned an origin
even though it has no definite age. In order to clarify the question a view of
earlier ideas will be helpful, these ideas coming not only from astronomy but
also from philosophy and theology.