Galileo+and+the+Heliocentric+Model

=Case Study: The Crime of Galileo =

Start up: Does religious ideology change over time?

Background Information:

During the time of Galileo, the Roman Catholic Church held the belief that the Earth was the center of the universe ([|Geocentric Model]). This perception of the solar system came from the Greek minds of Aristotle and Ptolemy. Although many individuals around the world from Aristarchus of Samos (250 BCE) to Copernicus (1500s CE) both theorized that the Sun was actually the center of the solar system long before Galileo, it made sense for many Europeans to accept the Geocentric Model, simply because technology was not advanced enough to disprove, or prove either way. It also made sense for many, because the Judeo-Christian culture taught (and still teaches) that "the world was made for man, and man was destined to rule it." (Sorry, I couldn't resist the //Ishmael// reference).

With the development of his telescopes, Galileo made empirical leaps and bounds in astronomical science, which gave him the proof he needed to prove that the Sun was the center of the Solar System, not the Earth. However, the Roman Catholic Church saw his work as heresy.

The documents, images, and videos below will give you insight into the positions, perspectives, and decisions of the Roman Catholic Church in reference to Astronomy - both then and now.

Document 1 - The Indictment of 1633 Document 2 - Sentence of the Tribunal of the Supreme Inquisition Document 3 - Galileo's Abjuration Document 4 - [|New York Times 1992]

Image 1 - [|Geocentric Model of the Universe] Image 2 - [|Galileo's Heleocentric Model]

Video 1 - [|New Premises of the Vatican Observatory] Video 2 - [|Vatican Galileo Exhibit] Video 3 - [|Pope Invites Astronomer's to the Vatican] (2009) Video 4 - [|Size of the Known Universe] Video 5 - [|Religion & Science Dialogue]

CURRENT EVENT - http://www.npr.org/2011/12/05/143142279/found-earth-like-planet-that-might-be-right-for-life
 * If we did indeed find a planet that was much like our Earth, how would that affect people’s ideologies?
 * Is this discovery any different than Galileo discovering that the Sun was the center of the solar system? Why, or why not?

Using the **All Write Round Robin**, answer the following guiding questions:


 * 1) What charges were brought against Galileo?
 * 2) What evidence was used to find him guilty?
 * 3) How old was he at the time? Why do you think they waited until then (outside research may help)
 * 4) The church prohibited publication and distribution of his book, DIALOGUES OF GALILEO GALILEI. Why do you think that they prevented it from being read? What effect would it have had, if it was indeed published and distributed?
 * 5) What was his punishment after having been found guilty?
 * 6) What was his penance?
 * 7) What was Galileo's closing position according to the Vatican's account of his Abjuration?
 * 8) Do you believe Galileo was sincere when giving his Abjuration? Why, or why not?
 * 9) According to a New York Times press release (1992), what is the Roman Catholic Church's current position on Galileo's trial? What do you think led to this public address?