Copernicus Vs Galileo

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The Scientific Revolution has changed science and the way of thinking in a major way. Today we see science without much opposition, however, this was not always the case. Religion and science have clashed before to name what is and is not science. Copernicus and Galileo have witnessed and dealt with how difficult it is to change or better the current knowledge around especially when it requires consent from the church. Both of these critical thinkers worked to find the truth about the solar system and how it worked. Their teachings were seen as something that went against religion and for this reason their works took years to be released and more importantly believed. Copernicus has faced his share of challenges, and before he could even …show more content…

He also studied the work of Copernicus using his teachings to better understand and question the current knowledge that was present. Galileo also refused to release his thoughts on the subject, knowing there would be a rebuttal to his theory. During his time as a teacher at Padua, he was not allowed to teach his findings and theories. As time went on the telescope was made and influenced Galileo to make his own version. Using his telescope, he observed sunspots on the sun and Jupiter’s moons. Shortly after his discoveries he released “the Starry Messenger” and then the “Letters on Sunspots”. These soon came under harsh criticism and was declared works against God. Galileo defended his work against this criticism and stated one can be a sincere Copernican and Catholic. He sent a letter in his defense the, “letter to the Grand Duchess Christina”, hoping to receive some support. This attempt did not work and the Catholic Church banned his teachings and stated he could not teach them again. Obeying the churches command, he did what he was told and did not teach his findings. However, once his friend became pope as Urban VIII; realizing he might have a chance to publish his work, he released, “A Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems”. Again Galileo faced criticism and this time had to go to trial for his beliefs. After he was tried, the church banned him from teaching his works ever again and placed him on house arrest for the rest of his