Abstract
Consideration is given to the problem of proving observationally that the universe is well described by a Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) universe model as an example of limits to be encountered in observational verifications in cosmology. The information obtainable from electromagnetic radiation originating from distant galaxies concerning the local space-time geometry is examined in detail, and the ideal observational data that will imply the universe to be a FRW universe model are indicated. Physical limitations preventing the direct observation of this cosmological data are then pointed out, and methods for verifying by observation that a previously determined isotropic cosmological model corresponds to a specific FRW space-time are considered, with attention given to observational limitations, astrophysical uncertainty and selection effects in confirming isotropy verifying spatial homogeneity and determining the Hubble constant and the deceleration parameter. It is concluded that practical limits to verification should be accorded a fundamental status in views of cosmology, since they limit the extent to which cosmology can be considered an observationally based subject.
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