"Why are the trials and tribulations of Galileo often considered both predicative of the future of Western Civilization as well as a perfect encapsulation of the context of his own time?"
Galileo Galilei was born in the mid 1500s, and he was considered to be the most innovative scientist of this time period. The discoveries of Galileo greatly influenced the future scientists of the Western Civilization. Throughout Galileo’s times of scientific discovery he was subject to many trials and hardships, specifically by the Catholic Church. The hardships he suffered were common for scientists and revolutionists of the time period. Galileo’s progressive discoveries in the subjects of technology, astronomy, and physics were major influences on the modern science of today, but the hardships he encountered, such as constant condemnation by the Catholic Church and lack of advanced supplies or tools, did not allow Galileo to advance to his full potential.
Galileo made many advancements and discoveries in the topics of technology, astronomy, and physics. In terms of technology, Galileo created a model of a thermometer as well as an improved model of the telescope. He also created a more innovative model of a geometric compass. In astronomy, Galileo discovered the four moons of Jupiter and also converted from the belief of geocentrism, the idea that the planets in the solar system revolve around the Earth, to the belief of heliocentrism, the idea that the planets in the solar system including Earth revolve around the sun. This was the most controversial belief that Galileo supported because it went against the belief of the Catholic Church. Galileo also made the conclusion that the Milky Way is in fact made up of a multitude of stars, and that the moon is not a smooth sphere, rather it is made up of mountainous terrain much like the Earth. In Galileo's study of physics, he made huge advancements towards the laws of motion that Sir Isaac Newton would later prove. Galileo made amazing discoveries that greatly prompted the science world of today, but one must imagine what Galileo could have discovered if he had the tools and technology that scientists use today.
Galileo's beliefs and theories almost always went against and disproved the beliefs of the Catholic Church. Galileo tried throughout his career to remain faithful to the Catholic Church, but he was too devoted to the results and proofs of his experiments and theories. Galileo's most contentious belief was that of heliocentrism. Galileo believed that the Earth, as well as the other planets in the solar system, revolved around the sun. This belief directly went against the Church's belief in geocentrism. The Church believed that the sun, as well as the other planets in the solar system, revolved around the sun, and this has been believed for centuries. Galileo spoke publicly about his beliefs, but this was stopped by the Church when he was called to the Inquisition. Galileo was forced to denounce his beliefs and was sentenced to house arrest for life. Galileo's belief and support of heliocentrism had so much impact on the beliefs of scientists today, but it could also be considered one of Galileo's downfalls. If Galileo had not been sentenced to house arrest for life, he could have possibly made even more scientific discoveries and shared them with the world as well as gotten closer to reaching his scientific potential.
Galileo was able to create a very improved model of the telescope that allowed him to study the planets, the sun, and the stars, but if he could have had a telescope as advanced as the kinds scientists use today, he could have discovered things that people had never even dreamed of in his time period. Galileo's findings sparked the Scientific Revolution and changed the way people thought about the world and the way things work. Without Galileo's discoveries many scientists that came after Galileo's time may not have been inspired to make their own discoveries and their own conclusions. Although Galileo made such huge advancements in technology and scientific instruments during his time, he still did not have the tools worthy to help him reach his full possibility. It was not Galileo's genius that had failed him, it was the lack of instruments that he had to express and prove his genius.
Galileo was one of the most influential scientists in history, but he lacked the supplies that would allow him to reach his full capacity. Galileo's belief that the solar system is heliocentric is a prime reason for him being so renowned throughout history. Galileo faced many trying times thrown at him by the Catholic Church due to their conflicting beliefs, but he stuck by them, even if not publicly known, until the very end. His determination and belief in his work gave way to immense opportunities for the future of the scientific world as well as many different discoveries that are essential for the way the world works today. Galileo's works will continue to influence the science world's discoveries far into the future despite the trying times that he had to face in order for his beliefs and opinions to be heard.
"Galileo’s progressive discoveries in the subjects of technology, astronomy, and physics were major influences on the modern science of today, but the hardships he encountered, such as constant condemnation by the Catholic Church and lack of advanced supplies or tools, did not allow Galileo to advance to his full potential."
ReplyDeleteThis is tricky because essentially what you are trying to do is argue "what might have been". I'd warn you against arguing hypotheticals and instead looking at why Galileo ran into trouble and what forces were at play.
For example, in the second paragraph you talk about "belief". What is it about Galileo's findings that so threatened the Church and what was the reason that they wanted to cling to the geocentric view? Was it a matter of theology? Or a matter of politics?