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An objective look at Galileo |
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Galileo Galilei Linceo is one of the most highly regarded of all scientists, not only for his successes in astronomy, but for major achievements in mechanics and dynamics. What is not as well known is that he didn’t always rely on experimental methods when he came to a conclusion. In spite of his correct support of the Copernican model, his conviction of this was not based solely on valid observable evidence. The heliocentric model is true, though Galileo’s tidal hypo- thesis, (created to prove the earth moved around the sun) was completely incorrect. He was rightfully praised by most of the common people, however many of the professors of science in his day were generally very much antagonistic to the man who seemed a threat to their teaching positions. |
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Hundreds of published works on the trial of Galileo are evidence of how much interest has been generated by this event. Some authors use the trial as an example of the conflict between religion and science. What is not as well known is that Galileo himself believed in God and in the Bible and that many who opposed him were the professors of science.
Much has been written about how Galileo’s book Dialogo, which gives support of the Copernican position, was banned and caused his unjust conviction of heresy. Without any sympathy for Galileo’s opponents, however, serious investigators may discover clues that point to a much more complicated view of the trial.
In Dialogo, the character who does not believe the Copernican model is portrayed to be an ignorant fool. The original scientific publication of Copernicus himself, however, is seen to be available to the public during the trial of Galileo. Why is it that Galileo’s book was placed on the Vatican Index at a time when the original book by Copernicus was not on the index? Part of the reason may be that the Pope who instigated Galileo’s trial, had some suspicion that the fool portrayed in Dialogo referred to himself. If that was his opinion or not, it is well known that Galileo was not put on trial because he proclaimed Copernican ideas as much as that he had disobeyed a papal decree.
Galileo is rightfully praised for his pioneering achievements in experi- mental science. Some of what has been written about his life, how- ever, has been classified by one author as “heroic hagiography”. He was quite human in that there was a mixture of strengths and of weaknesses in his character and personality.
Though the principle of freedom of expression is of the most paramount value to society, the trial of Galileo is not a good example of a conflict between religion and science. It’s an example of a conflict between personalities, including those who were offended at Galileo’s words. Both sides of the trial involved people who believed in God. Both sides of the scientific case believed evidence supported their position. |
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Why was Galileo put on trial?
With deep respect for the many great achievements of Galileo I submit these ideas, distilled after careful considera- tion of the writings of several authors who hold various viewpoints.
It may be admirable for us to look at only the strengths of Galileo and to give credit to him for the scientific advances he achieved. It would be a mistake, however, to ignore signifi- cant details when looking for all the reasons for his trial and conviction.
Firstly, the Copernican system was respected by a number of prominent Catholic officials long before the 1633 heresy conviction of Galileo. The idea that the earth revolves around the sun was allowed to be discussed as a hypo- thetical theory. In fact, the writings of Copernicus himself were available for researchers to read and consider. The case against Galileo was far more complex than many simplistic modern writings reveal.
The book Dialogo is just one example of how Galileo could use words to not only promote his own ideas but to ridicule the mental abilities of those who disagreed with him. Over several years, his attacks against his critics only increased the resentment of many of the professors who taught ancient Greek philosophy. Though from one perspective, Galileo’s distain for the mentality of his opponents may have had merit, his open ridicule of many people caused some former friends to turn against him, including some who were not the targets he intended. Perhaps the most noteworthy was Pope Urban VIII who was instrument- tal in the proceedings that resulted in the 1633 heresy conviction of Galileo.
This is not to say that only personal vindictiveness was behind the trial against Galileo. He published in the common language of the people and was something of a celebrity. It may have been that church leaders saw this as a threat to their authority.
Let’s consider how Pope Urban VIII admired Galileo when the scientific breakthroughs were first celebrated. Their friendship appeared to be firm. Church leaders did not show signs of opposition to experimentation and publication of scientific findings. It was after many professors brought up a few scriptures (narrowly inter- preted) and accused Galileo, that the forces against him strengthened. It seems that Pope Urban VIII became offended by an action of Galileo and turned against his former friend.
Envy, offense, and suspicion were much more likely to have been very significant factors in the motivations of Galileo’s persecutors, than bigotry against scientific investigations. It seems that politics, personal ambition and revenge may have played a part.
copyright 2005 Jonathan Whitcomb |
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"I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason and intellect has intended us to forgo their use." |
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