Galileo and the System of the World

In reading Galileo’s Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems, we will explore the many ramifications of the question of whether the sun and other planets move around the earth, or the earth and the other planets move around the sun. Galileo demonstrates numerous ways in which reconceiving the arrangement of the heavens requires interrogating and rethinking what is understood as ‘natural’ here below.

What constitutes sufficient evidence in natural philosophy? What is the degree of certainty in this domain, and on what basis? What is the relationship between rational argument and experiment? What is the appropriate role of persuasion? What are the presuppositions—explicit or implicit—about natural science as a discipline and about the origins and the arrangement of the universe generally? What are the (generally tacit) implications for theology and faith? Given the differences of opinions, how important is it that consensus on such questions be achieved, and how is consensus achieved? The book was written in Italian rather than Latin as it was intended not for academics and clergy only, but for a general learned public. Written as a dialogue, the book leaves many questions for readers to decide or discover themselves, although it is hardly neutral on the central question. While its publication resulted in Galileo’s conviction by the inquisition, and we will read it mindful of its theological implications, we will not dwell on the historical circumstances of Galileo’s work, but on the questions and teachings within the book.

Students will be expected to read Galileo’s Dialogue closely, completing the greater part of the reading before the seminars begin, and they will be expected to freely participate in conversations examining the presuppositions and consequences of Galileo’s thinking. (Some parts of the book will be excerpted to allow a close reading, including the “Fourth Day.”) After the completion of the seminar, students will be expected to submit an essay on the book of approximately 1.250-1.500 words. Students will have the option of a (remote) conference on the essay with the seminar leader.