Lauren Kincaid

Enlightenment and Revolutions

Document Analysis
World History Honors 2
Author: Galileo and the Church
Interpretation: After being tried by the Church for heresy, Galileo completely
renounced his views on the heliocentric solar system. This was to avoid being
executed Im sure.
Point of View: The Church doesnt like Galileos published work because they
claim its heretic. Therefore, they had to bring him in for a trial. If he went
unpunished, who knows what heretic statements may have been said? Someone
might have even said that humans evolved from primates! That would have just
been so bad. Galileo was very worried at this point. He believed in his theory, but he
obviously didnt want to be killed because of it. So, he did what he had to and lied to
the Church. He said that with their help he would find God again and understand the
truth (that the solar system was geocentric).
Argument: I dont think that Galileo should have abandoned his views for the
Church. Sure, if he had stood by his cause, he would likely have been killed, but it
would still make him look better than he does currently.
Importance/Influence: Although Galileo wasnt the first to say that the universe
was heliocentric, his works are the most well-known. He has influenced the way that
almost all scientists think currently, and has affected most of their work too.
http://legacy.fordham.edu/Halsall/mod/1630galileo.asp