Embedded Files
Readings
1633 Condemnation of Galileo and his Recantation (4 pages); to view or download, click here
1992 Pope John Paul II address on Galileo, faith and reason (6 pages); to view or download, click here
2008 Wall Street Journal article on Galileo and the Church (4 pages); to view or download, click here
Galileo: "The Two New Sciences" excerpt on motion (3 pages); to view or download, click here
Galileo: "The Two New Sciences" excerpt on scaling (2+ pages); to view or download, click here
Galileo: "The Two Chief World d Systems" excerpt about the earth's motion (4 pages); to view or download, click here
What's "Left" and what's "Right"
1) How would you define the directions "left" and "right"?
2) How would you explain left and right to ...
... someone next to you?
... someone over a telephone?
... an alien in another world?
3) If you look in a mirror and wave your left arm, the right arm of the image waves back at you, but "up" and "down" are unchanged. Note that "forward" (the direction in which you and the image are looking) is also reversed. How come?
Points to ponder
Do you think Galileo should have recanted or not? Why? What would you have done?
After the 1633 trial and recantation, the Church reconciled with Galileo in 1992. Opinions?
A boat is moving forward at constant speed in still waters. A sailor climbs to the top of a tall vertical mast to do some repairs and drops a hammer. Where does the hammer land, right at the base of the mast, or somewhat away from the base and toward the back of the boat? Justify your answer.
In summary, how do you think Galileo changed our view of the world?
Optional Reading and Viewing
For other reading and viewing, click on the link Of Further Interest - Galileo
Updated Dec. 4. 2025
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