Galileo Galilei
(1564-1642)
Most known for his scientific contributions and often
referred to as the “father of modern science” and the “father of modern
physics,” Galileo changed the way we view the world. His contributions are
considerable; they include his study and support of the Copernican theory
(the planets revolve around the sun), studies in accelerated motion,
perfecting the telescope, and astronomical findings. Galileo’s father was a
professional musician who applied his concepts of musical theory to
practical knowledge and procedure. It’s noted that Galileo assisted his
father with experiments and obtained the same technique of applying concept
to practice. Born in Pisa
(region of Tuscany), in his
childhood, Galileo studied at a monastery and considered joining, but – at
his father’s urging – studied medicine, then developed an interest in
mathematics.
Galileo started to teach mathematics as a private tutor
in 1585, and in 1589, he was lecturing in mathematics at the
University
of Pisa. In 1592, he was
appointed Chair of Mathematics at the
University
of Padua, where he lectured on
geometry and astronomy. During his 18 years there he continued his studies
in mechanics, astrology, and philosophy; published instruction manuals for
his students; experimented with motion, designed instruments, and published
his observations; and worked on improving the telescope; and begins to
publicize his views on Copernicanism.
In 1610, Galileo was appointed Chief Mathematician of the
University
of Pisa, and Cosimo II (de’
Medici), Grand Duke of Tuscany, offered him a court position of Philosopher
and Mathematician. In the following years, Galileo’s support of
Copernicanism grew, and in 1613, his observations of sunspots and letters of
his findings further supported his theories. His public view that the
planets revolve around the sun– which is opposite the belief of the Roman
Catholic Church – and a book he published which was thought to mock the Pope
caused the church to label him a heretic, and in 1633, he was placed under
house arrest. Galileo continued to write and publish his work, which
includes Discourse on Two New
Sciences, and by 1638 he had lost vision in both eyes (some attribute
this to looking directly at the sun). He died in 1642, and in 1992, Pope
John Paul II announced regret in the way the Church approached the views of
Galileo.
LINKS:
The Galileo Project
Galileo: The Telescope and the Laws of Dynamics
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Written by Janice Mancuso
