I. Activating Prior Knowledge
Think about the discussions that we had in class about a revolution. How might a change in a scientific theory or a new mathematical discovery be considered a revolution?
II. Setting A Purpose for Reading
Many of the "discoveries" that Galileo made, had been made by other scientists. However, the publication of his findings brought him into direct conflict with the Roman Catholic Church. At the time, his ideas were considered "revolutionary." As you read the Indictment of Galileo Galilei consider the charges that were made against him. Were these charges warranted?
III. Reading the Text (Read, Re-read, and Read Again)
"Whereas you, Galileo, son of the late Vincenzio Galilei, of Florence, aged seventy years, were denounced in 1615, to this Holy Office, for holding as true a false doctrine taught by many, namely that the sun is immovable in the center of the world, and that the earth moves, and also with a diurnal motion; also, for having pupils whom you instructed in the same opinions; also, for maintaining a correspondence on the same with some German mathematicians; also, for publishing certain letters on the sun-spots, in which you developed the same doctrine as true; also for answering the objections which were continually produced from the Holy Scriptures, by glozing the said Scriptures according to your own meaning; and whereas thereupon was produced the copy of a writing, in form of a letter professedly written by you to a person formerly your pupil, in which, following the hypothesis of Copernicus, you include several propositions contrary to the true sense and authority of the Holy Scriptures; therefore (this Holy Tribunal being desirous of providing agains the disorder and mischief which were thence proceeding and increasing to the detriment of the Holy Faith) by the desire of his Holiness and the Most Emminent Lords, Cardinals of this supreme and universal Inquisition, the two propositions of the stability of the sun, and the motion of the earth were qualified by the Theological Qualifiers as follows:
IV. Personal Reflection
Take a few moments to blog any comments that you might have about this article. Once you have recorded your thoughts, please comment on at least three other responses.
V. Now read the post "Galileo - Letter to the Grand Duchess Christina of Tuscany, 1615" for Galileo's response to the charges made against him.
Think about the discussions that we had in class about a revolution. How might a change in a scientific theory or a new mathematical discovery be considered a revolution?
II. Setting A Purpose for Reading
Many of the "discoveries" that Galileo made, had been made by other scientists. However, the publication of his findings brought him into direct conflict with the Roman Catholic Church. At the time, his ideas were considered "revolutionary." As you read the Indictment of Galileo Galilei consider the charges that were made against him. Were these charges warranted?
III. Reading the Text (Read, Re-read, and Read Again)
"Whereas you, Galileo, son of the late Vincenzio Galilei, of Florence, aged seventy years, were denounced in 1615, to this Holy Office, for holding as true a false doctrine taught by many, namely that the sun is immovable in the center of the world, and that the earth moves, and also with a diurnal motion; also, for having pupils whom you instructed in the same opinions; also, for maintaining a correspondence on the same with some German mathematicians; also, for publishing certain letters on the sun-spots, in which you developed the same doctrine as true; also for answering the objections which were continually produced from the Holy Scriptures, by glozing the said Scriptures according to your own meaning; and whereas thereupon was produced the copy of a writing, in form of a letter professedly written by you to a person formerly your pupil, in which, following the hypothesis of Copernicus, you include several propositions contrary to the true sense and authority of the Holy Scriptures; therefore (this Holy Tribunal being desirous of providing agains the disorder and mischief which were thence proceeding and increasing to the detriment of the Holy Faith) by the desire of his Holiness and the Most Emminent Lords, Cardinals of this supreme and universal Inquisition, the two propositions of the stability of the sun, and the motion of the earth were qualified by the Theological Qualifiers as follows:
- The proposition that the sun is in the center of the world and immovable from its place is absurd, philosophically false, and formally heretical; because it is expressely contrary to Holy Scriptures.
- The proposition that the earth is not the center of the world, nor immovable, but that it moves, and also with a diurnal action, is also absurd, philosophically false, and theologically considered, at least erroneous in faith."
IV. Personal Reflection
Take a few moments to blog any comments that you might have about this article. Once you have recorded your thoughts, please comment on at least three other responses.
V. Now read the post "Galileo - Letter to the Grand Duchess Christina of Tuscany, 1615" for Galileo's response to the charges made against him.
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