Final answer:
The cosmological principle asserts that on large scales, the universe is isotropic and homogeneous, and the same laws of physics apply throughout, which is supported by observational evidence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cosmological principle is the premise that on a large scale, the universe is isotropic and homogeneous, which means it appears the same in all directions and consistent throughout its vast expanses. Additionally, the laws of physics are universally consistent, making the universe predictable and allowing theories of its structure, evolution, and dynamics to be formulated. Observational evidence, such as galaxy counts and the Automated Plate Measurement Galaxy Survey, supports this principle, showing that our universe is generally smooth, apart from local clumping such as galaxies and clusters of galaxies.
Given these aspects, the correct answer to the provided question is: c) the universe is isotropic, homogeneous, and the laws of physics are the same everywhere. This principle serves as a foundational assumption for many of the theories that describe the universe, including those concerning its expansion and evolution.