The Scientific Revolution was when philosophers began to discover truths about existence and the universe through intensive research and experimentation without relying on the influence of Christian theology for solutions. Philosophers such as Galileo contributed knowledge to the Scientific Revolution through thought experiments that led to numerous discoveries (Zanatta 1). Galileo enhanced the telescope to produce magnified images of the stars and galaxies. He used the information from this study to develop his theory of gravity (Drago 35). In addition, he improved the telescope, and his findings backed his heliocentric astronomical theory. Galileo also delved into metaphysics and analyzed speed, velocity, and technology, which helped develop theoretical concepts and assertions (Zanatta 1). Therefore, Galileo is the hero of modern science after pioneering the experimental scientific method, making important astronomical discoveries, developing critical scientific theories, and displaying a resilience that influenced the Scientific Revolution in the 17th century.
In the early revolutionary years, European life was structured by the Christian perspective of the world. The church was dominant in establishing the truth about the earth’s existence and everything in its environment (Zanatta 1). However, the western civilization after the European conquest of the Americans was a breakthrough that sponsored new practices and systems, including education and contemporary technology (Brooks 33). This factor enabled students like Galileo to improve upon foreign concepts by improving technological devices. In 1609, Galileo, a medicine student dropout, enhanced the telescope to help observe objects at far distances (Zanatta 1). He observed the moon’s surface with the device and discovered four new stars within the planets (Zanatta 1). Other theologians considered the earth a perfect place, but Galileo uncovered the mysteries revolving around geocentric notions. The developments of the experimental method and the countless ways it has been applied to create new scientific findings have been significant historical milestones in the development of modern science.
Galileo’s astronomical approach led to various discoveries that promoted the Scientific Revolution. His development and improvement of the telescope and the new stars initiated a theory known as the heliocentric model. This theory indicated that the earth and all its planets revolved around the sun (Zanatta 1). He justified this claim by explaining that the earth is at the center and various astronomical components can be seen from its surface (Zanatta 1). This theory helped study the earth from a simple approach to a scientific model bringing new insights into the world’s perception and laying the ground for more research about the solar system.
Galileo made many contributions to science and astronomy. He was the first to describe the four largest moons of Jupiter, which are now known as the Galilean moons. He also made several groundbreaking observations of the Sun, Moon, and planets, including the observation that Venus exhibits phases like the moon (Caruana 49). This work was the most controversial, considering that it spearheaded the dialogue about the Two Chief World Systems, which argued that the Copernican model was correct and that the earth revolved around the sun. His observations helped further validate the Copernican solar system model, which stated that the planets orbit the sun rather than the earth (Zanatta 1). His book served as a scientific guide to understanding the philosophical approach to the earth without any religious influence. This courage to challenge the norm through scientific evidence laid the foundation for viable research.
Some of the most integral astronomical discoveries included the experiments of motion, which proved the forces on the earth. Galileo’s proportional compass was used to make observations and solve mathematical problems in proportion. As a mathematician, he was passionate about creating a device that would solve geographical and astronomical problems. This invention indicated a geographical touch with the environment and a deep interest in developing tools that could help sustain astronomical activities considering that they helped survey territories and undertake geometrical calculations. Consequently, the father of modern science also invented the thermoscope, which has significant viability in detecting temperature changes (Zanatta 1). The device was integral for astronomers who wanted to experiment on the difference in temperature between the earth and space. All these contributions were integral in exposing the opportunities available for contemporary science and future studies. His contributions have been integral in establishing approaches towards developing sophisticated equipment that can help understand the earth better.
For Galileo, mathematics was the universal language, and he saw arithmetic representation in nature. Also, he believed mathematics was the key to deciphering the reality of natural phenomena. Galileo’s contributions to physics were revolutionary because they showed how careful observation and measurement might reveal hidden causes that mathematically articulated nature’s underlying symmetry. As Caruana (49) mentions, Galileo preferred to be overconfident, considering that he would often produce supplementary hypotheses that bordered on the unusual to downplay the significance of evidence contradicting his findings. He delved into sophisticated research that resulted in a new theory of focus, which was instrumental in promoting a better understanding of his scientific rationales (Zanatta 1). His work in mathematics, such as his work on the infinite series, provided a foundation for calculus and advanced mathematics, which is important in current principles studies.
One of the best experiments that contributed to a Scientific Revolution focused on weight and gravity using the law of falling bodies and inertia, which helped explain the behavior of objects in motion. The famous Leaning Tower of Pisa experiment by Galileo proved that the acceleration of free fall is independent of object weight (Zanatta 1). This experiment, commonly referred to as Galileo’s Leaning Tower of Pisa study, directly contradicted the central tenet of Aristotle’s theory of gravity, which held that objects fell at speed related to their weight (Drago 35). In this experiment, Galileo simultaneously dropped two spheres of distinct weight from a tower, hitting the ground at equal intervals. This experiment demonstrated that objects’ fall rate is the same regardless of weight. This study paved the way for other philosophers to examine how gravity works and initiate new concepts into the study of matter and weight and their interrelationship.
The polymath was also concerned about the idea of infinity which is something no one had explored. Drago (18) mentions that this mathematical philosophy created the abstraction of infinity by normalizing it as a set of natural numbers. In this concept, Galileo introduced the idea of two infinity, including AI and PI, which have been integral in understanding physics and contributing to modern scientific discoveries. Galileo created the infinity theory after realizing that numerical values alone cannot define arithmetical operations to infinite objects. Therefore, this new approach would help formulate new laws and applications in the study of infinity (Galilei). This law was formally applied to strengthen the notion of infinity in theoretical physics, and this was a significant step in the culmination of mathematical concepts and physics. Therefore, this study led to a Scientific Revolution of critical analysis and comparison of different concepts in science.
Scientific theories pioneered by Galileo were instrumental in enhancing the Scientific Revolution and demystifying non-scientific claims. The Copernicus theory is one example of a scientific philosophy that challenged the roman religion or superstition (Galilei). After viewing the moon through the magnified telescope, he discovered that it did not have a smooth surface or structure but had ridges resembling the earth. During this discovery, The Catholic Church had so much power and authority concerning the earth’s geological makeup. (Drago 35). Galileo was summoned to Rome to face trial after publishing scientific journals about his astronomical findings and his justification for the heliocentric, or Sun-centered, earth. This theory has been instrumental in helping different experts, including geologists, understand the universe, with theories such as the earth being cylindrical being established.
Galileo’s sacrifices to modern science are unmatched, which justifies him as the greatest contributor to the Scientific Revolution. After challenging the Roman Catholic idea of the centeredness of the earth, he was accused and sanctioned for being heresy, or someone who disagreed with the traditions of the church, in the beginning, and the penalty sometimes was death. Although Galileo’s charges were withdrawn, he was instructed to stop sharing his findings about the earth’s centeredness or revolving properties with the masses (Drago 35). Galileo deepened his understanding of astronomy and grew more and more certain that the sun was the center of the solar system. He published a work in 1632 that, among other things, argued in favor of Copernicus’ heliocentric theory. Galileo was brought before the inquisition once more and was found guilty of defying Roman principles (Drago 35). Galileo was given a life sentence in prison and placed under house detention, where he passed away. His contributions are undeniable and impactful in studying the moon and the stars, which has become an integral philosophy.
Galileo’s life and work were a major influence on the development of the Scientific Revolution. His observations and experiments helped disprove many of the assumptions held by the church and gave rise to a new field of scientific inquiry. His work in mathematics, physics, and astronomy laid the foundations of modern science. His courage in adversity set a powerful example of the importance of free scientific inquiry. Galileo’s work in astronomy, mathematics, and physics profoundly impacted the Scientific Revolution, and his contributions are still felt today. He improved the telescope to make groundbreaking magnified observations of the moon and the planets, disproving the idea that the earth was the center of the universe. He believed that observations and experiments should be used to test theories rather than relying solely on faith or tradition. His famous experiments with inclined planes and pendulums helped demonstrate the power of the scientific method, which established the scientific inquiry revolution.
Works Cited
Brooks, Christopher David. Western Civilization: A Concise History. Portland Community College, 2019.
Drago, Antonino. “What Was the Role of Galileo in the Century-Long Birth of Modern Science?.” Philosophia Scientiæ. Travaux d’histoire et de philosophie des sciences, vol. 21, no. 1, 2017, pp. 35-54. Web.
Galilei, Galileo. “The Assayer.” Translated by Stillman Drake. 1623. Web.
Caruana, Louis. “From water to the stars: a reinterpretation of Galileo’s style,” vol. 1, no. 1, 2017, pp. 49-53. Web.
Zanatta, Alberto, et al. “Galileo Galilei: Science vs Faith.” Global cardiology science & practice, no. 2, 2017, pp. 1-10. Web.