1. The Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment
Galileo and the Church
The Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment

2. Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) Ingenious scientist
Proves many of Aristotle’s ideas wrong
Objects fall at the same speed
Improved on the Telescope
Jupiter had 4 moons

3. Galileo Galilei ( )
Made observations that proved the Copernican view of the universe
Moon- uneven
Sunspots
Wrote in the vernacular
His findings help further Copernicus’s Heliocentric Theory
Among observations: moons of Jupiter, that is that there are planets with their own satellites: this also goes against the conception of perfect crystal spheres.

4. Letter to the Grand Duchess Christina of Tuscany (1615)
Written to address the conflict between the Bible and heliocentric theory
Argued that the Bible must be interpreted in light of scientific knowledge
Argued for a non-literal interpretation of the Bible
Galileo declared the Bible teaches how to go to heaven, not how the heavens go
The letter began Galileo’s troubles with the Catholic Church

5. Trouble for Galileo
1616- Catholic Church tells Galileo not to support the ideas of Copernicus
1632- Publishes Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems
The book clearly supports Copernicus
1633 – Church forced Galileo to recant; placed under house arrest.