“Galileo’s Battle for the Heavens” Study Guide



“Galileo’s Battle for the Heavens” Study GuideName: ________________________________________________________________________________Purpose: We are engaged in an inquiry into the Scientific Revolution. Our inquiry is focused on the life and works of Galileo Galilei and is guided by two questions:Why did the Scientific Revolution occur?Why were Galileo’s ideas (our symbol of the Scientific Revolution) considered to be so revolutionary (how do they and their effects fit our definition of “revolution”)?We have already developed hypotheses in answer to our two guiding questions. Now we are using various sources to find evidence we can use to prove, disprove, and/or reshape our hypotheses. The film “Galileo’s Battle for the Heavens” is one of our sources. Answering the questions in this guide will help you to develop well reasoned and supported responses to our guiding questions.Directions: Answer all of the following questions in the spaces provided. This study guide will be graded on the basis of completeness. 1. What does the discussion of Galileo at the beginning of the film tell us about why he is a good focus for our study of the Scientific Revolution?2. What was the prevailing view of astronomy (specifically about the movement of the earth and heavens) in Galileo’s time? What was this view based upon?3. What was the Church’s interest in astronomy? (Why was it concerned about astronomy and how did the Church use astronomy in it’s teachings?)4. Why did Galileo first make his telescope? What were its first uses? What might that tell us about causes of the Scientific Revolution?5. An “anomaly” is something that does not fit with established expectations or patterns. What anomalies did Galileo’s first astronomic observations reveal? What might this tell us about causes of the Scientific Revolution.6. What prompted Copernicus to develop his theory of planetary movement? What might that tell us about causes of the Scientific Revolution?7. Galileo’s move to Florence was at least partially motivated by his desire for social improvement. What might this tell you about the effects and revolutionary nature of his ideas (and the entire Scientific Revolution?)80. What is the appeal of and the danger in the move to Florence for Galileo?9. How did Galileo attempt to prove the Copernican theory? Did he prove it to your satisfaction? Explain.10. Galileo’s work with the Copernican theory aroused opposition form several sources. What does the nature and the sources of the opposition tell you about the revolutionary nature of Galileo’s ideas?11. Who was Giordano Bruno? What was the significance of his work and his fate to Galileo?12. How did Galileo intend to convince the Church to accept the Copernican theory? Why do you think Galileo believed he could succeed?13. What was the Church’s decision regarding the Copernican theory?14. What was Galileo’s reaction to the Church’s decision and what was his hope?15. One of the problems with the Copernican theory was that hard for people to accept that the earth moved when they didn’t feel the movement. What thought exercise did Galileo develop to explain this dilemma?16. Galileo developed a theory about sunspots that contradicted the theory of a German Jesuit. What were the two theories, why did the Church initially favor the German theory, and what was the significance of the general acceptance of Galileo’s theory?17. Why did the coming of a new Pope give hope to Galileo? What “permission” did the new Pope give to Galileo?18. Why do you think Galileo wrote his new book in Italian rather than in Latin?19. How did the pope react to Galileo’s book? Why? Do you think that the fact that Galileo wrote in Italian had any effect on his reaction? Explain.20. What was Galileo’s defense to the Inquisition’s charges, and why do you think they defense was not successful?21. What were Galileo’s scientific accomplishments after his sentence?22. What does the dialogue at the end of the film tell you about the significance of Galileo’s work and why they might be considered to be revolutionary?4. DISCUSSION QUESTION (discuss the following questions with one or more partners as directed and then record your answers below). In the film Julian Barbour, a theoretical physicist, asks the question: “It’s so confusing, the world. Where do we find the truth? Where is the real truth?” Your questions are similar:In today’s world, who controls knowledge (in other words, who decides what is true)? What evidence supports your answer?Today, how does one decide what is true? (In other words, what procedures are followed to determine whether something is true?)How would you answer those questions for Galileo’s time? ................
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