On trial for reason : science, religion, and culture in the Galileo affair / Maurice A. Finocchiaro.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Finocchiaro, Maurice A., 1942- author.

Contributor:

Edward Potts Cheyney Memorial Fund.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Galilei, Galileo, 1564-1642.

Catholic Church.

Trials (Heresy).

History.

Italy.

Galilei, Galileo, 1564-1642--Trials, litigation, etc.

Galilei, Galileo.

Catholic Church--Italy--History--17th century.

Religion and science--Italy--History--17th century.

Religion and science.

Trials (Heresy)--Italy--History--17th century.

Inquisition--Italy.

Inquisition.

Genre:

History.

Trials, litigation, etc.

Physical Description:

ix, 289 pages : illustrations (black and white) ; 25 cm

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

Oxford ; New York, NY : Oxford University Press, 2019.

Summary:

In 1633 the Roman Inquisition condemned Galileo as a suspected heretic for defending the astronomical theory that the earth moves, and implicitly assuming the theological principle that Scripture is not scientific authority. This controversial event has sent ripples down the centuries, embodying the struggle between a thinker who came to be regarded as the Father of Modern Science, and an institution that is both one of the world's greatest religions and most ancient organizations. The trial has been cited both as a clear demonstration of the incompatibility between science and religion, and also a stunning exemplar of rationality, scientific method, and critical thinking. 0Much has been written about Galileo's trial, but most works argue from a particular point of view - that of secular science against the Church, or justifying the religious position. Maurice Finocchiaro aims to provide a balanced historical account that draws out the cultural nuances. Unfolding the intriguing narrative of Galileo's trial, he sets it against its contemporary intellectual and philosophical background. In particular, Finocchiaro focuses on the contemporary arguments and evidence for and against the Earth's motion, which were based on astronomical observation, the physics of motion, philosophical principles about the nature of knowledge, and theological principles about the authority and the interpretation of Scripture. Following both sides of the controversy and its far-reaching philosophical impact, Finocchiaro unravels the complex relationship between science and religion, and demonstrates how Galileo came to be recognised as a model of logical reasoning.

Contents:

1 Introduction: Avoiding Myths and Muddles p. 1

2 When the Earth Stood Still p. 25

3 The Copernican Controversy (1543-1609) p. 47

4 Re-assessing Copernicanism (1609-1616) p. 77

5 The Earlier Inquisition Proceedings (1615-1616) p. 109

6 The Dialogue on the Two Chief World Systems (1632) p. 123

7 The Inquisition Trial (1632-1633) p. 155

8 Becoming a Cultural Icon (1616-2016) p. 171

9 Religion vs. Science? p. 203

10 A Model of Critical Thinking? p. 225.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Local Notes:

Acquired for the Penn Libraries with assistance from the Edward Potts Cheyney Memorial Fund.

ISBN:

9780198797920

0198797923

OCLC:

1081435403

Publisher Number:

99983178187