1. ~ a brief biographical sketch by ~ Carl J. Wenning
GALILEO GALILEI
~ a brief biographical sketch by ~
Carl J. Wenning

2. Galileo Galilei Italian astronomer and physicist
Born: Pisa, February 15, 1564
Died: Arcetri (near Florence), January 8, 1642.

3. Most notable accomplishments
“Invention” of the telescope
Astronomical observations used to supplant Ptolemaic world system
First empirical physicist

4. Trouble with the Church
Deposed Aristotelian view of cosmos
Showed Platonic world view incorrect:
Blemished sun
Cratered moon
Sun-centered cosmos
Argued observation must take precedent over theory
Got in trouble for publishing Dialogue of Two Chief World Systems

5. Overlooked Contributions to PHY
Laws of motion:
1st law (dual incline)
2nd law (motion w/out force)
The distance that an object falls goes as a function of t2
Vector addition
Law of simple pendulums
Thermometry
Empiricism…

6. Empiricism
Observational evidence must be given priority over theoretical constructs event if it contradicts “common sense” perceptions:
Heavier objects fall faster than lighter objects.
Objects (such as planets and arrows) need a constant force to keep them in motion.