Examines the life and ideas of Galileo Galilei and how his discoveries were seen as a problem by the Church.
This paper examines the life of scientist Galileo Galilei, focusing on his research and the challenge it posed to the Catholic Church. The paper describes how his research, inventions and discoveries influenced many scientists of his day and led to many important scientific discoveries. The paper then explains that since he questioned the validity of some of the Aristotelean theories which the church espoused, he was perceived as a threat and sentenced by the church to life imprisonment for heresy. The paper notes that in his challenge to church authority, he remains a symbol for freedom of thought and science against authoritarian oppression.
“Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) is one of the key figures in science and history, since his work helped to usher in the scientific revolution. His inventions and discoveries were far-reaching, and affect us even today, as his scientific method remains the key scientific methodology worldwide. Galileo was the first to use the telescope for astronomical purposes. Through it, he discovered sunspots, lunar mountains, satellites of Jupiter and the phases of Venus. He also uncovered the laws of falling matter and the motion of projectiles. Although he had no wish to undermine the authority of religious leaders, his work was seen as a threat to Catholic authority. He was arrested and convicted for his discoveries. In his challenge to church authority, he remains a symbol for freedom of thought and science against authoritarian oppression.
“Galileo was born near Pisa, Italy on February 15, 1564. His father was Vincenzio Galilei, a man who helped usher in a musical revolution by advocating harmonic modulation over medieval styles. Galileo thus was exposed early to the ideas of innovation and creativity. During his early years, Galileo was taught at Vallombroso by monk tutors. Entering the University of Pisa in 1581, Galileo studied medicine before becoming interested in mathematics and philosophy. Galileo did not complete his studies and left the University in 1585. He wrote unpublished scientific papers while acting as a tutor. He became a professor of mathematics at Padua in 1589.”
“Galileo was born near Pisa, Italy on February 15, 1564. His father was Vincenzio Galilei, a man who helped usher in a musical revolution by advocating harmonic modulation over medieval styles. Galileo thus was exposed early to the ideas of innovation and creativity. During his early years, Galileo was taught at Vallombroso by monk tutors. Entering the University of Pisa in 1581, Galileo studied medicine before becoming interested in mathematics and philosophy. Galileo did not complete his studies and left the University in 1585. He wrote unpublished scientific papers while acting as a tutor. He became a professor of mathematics at Padua in 1589.”