Full Idea
The four major disputes in classical cosmology were whether the cosmos is 'open' or 'closed', whether it is explained mechanistically or teleologically, whether it is alive or mere matter, and whether or not it has a beginning.
Gist of Idea
Is the cosmos open or closed, mechanical or teleological, alive or inanimate, and created or eternal?
Source
report of T.M. Robinson (Classical Cosmology (frags) [1997]) by PG - Db (ideas)
Book Reference
'Encyclopedia of Classical Philosophy', ed/tr. Zeyl,Donald J. [Fitzroy Dearborn 1997], p.150
A Reaction
A nice summary. The standard modern view is closed, mechanistic, inanimate and non-eternal. But philosophers can ask deeper questions than physicists, and I say we are entitled to speculate when the evidence runs out.