Cosmogony, or cosmogeny, is any theory concerning the coming into existence or origin of the universe, or about how reality came to be. This article is about scientific theories of creation (cosmogony). For cosmogonic beliefs of traditional cultures, see Creation myth [1]
Cosmology, in strict usage, refers to the study of the Universe in its totality as it now is (or at least as it can be observed now), and by extension, humanity's place in it. Though the word cosmology is recent, study of the universe has a long history involving science, philosophy, esotericism, and religion. (See Cosmogony for the study of origins of the Universe.) [2]
A creation myth or cosmogonic myth is a supernatural story or explanation that describes the beginnings of humanity, earth, life, and the universe (cosmogony), often as a deliberate act by one or more deities. [3]
Hierarchy
edit- Cosmology - study of the Universe
- Cosmogony: Scientific account of how the universe came into existence
- Creation myth: Supernatural account of how the universe came into existence
Another hierarchy
editPhilosophy: