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Period: Feb 15, 1564 to
Galileo
Galileo Galilei was an Italian astronomer, who was deemed a founder of modern experimental science. -
Copernican Theory
In 1613, Galileo wrote a letter in which he tried to demonstrate that the Copernican theory (the theory that demonstrated that the universe is actually sun-centred) was coherent with proper Biblical explanation. -
Expansion of Arguments
Galileo expanded his arguments about the link between science and scripture in a second letter written in 1615. -
Copernican vs Catholic
In early 1616, Galileo travelled to Rome to discuss whether the Copernican theory conflicted with the Roman Catholic faith. -
Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems
In 1632 Galileo published his “Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems,” which supposedly offered arguments for both sides of the heliocentrism debate. However, attempt at balance deceived no one. He was still supporting heliocentrism. -
The Roman Inquisition
Galileo was called before the Roman Inquisition in 1633. At first he denied that he had encouraged heliocentrism, but later he said he had only done so by mistake. Galileo was convicted of “passionate suspicion of heresy” and under threat of torture forced to express regret and curse his errors. -
House Arrest
Galileo lived his last nine years under relaxed house arrest. During the time he wrote a conclusion of his primary motion tests. In the 20th century Popes Pius XII and John Paul II made official statements of regret for how the Church had treated Galileo.
