Contention: Galileo was a significant figure who contributed important, though controversial, ideas to modern Astronomy and mathematics, which still shape the way we see the universe today. First Main point: Galileo contributed greatly to modern astronomy, putting forward the theory that the universe is heliocentric, rather than geocentric Second main point: Galileo’s early life is what truly inspired him to pursue the sciences. Third main point: Galileo is often not acknowledged for the majority of his life’s work. Introduction: Galileo Galilei was a significant astronomer and inventor who allowed scientists and thinkers to observe the stars for generations to come. He directly opposed the Catholic Church by saying the universe is heliocentric, rather than …show more content…
Although he was not the first to voice this theory, and his theories were not entirely correct, he ultimately led to the widespread acknowledgment of it as fact, rather than idea. For voicing these opinions, Galileo was brought under trial by pope Urban VIII, and forced to admit he held these forbidden views under threat of torture. This was not the only quarrel with the catholic church Galileo faced during lis life, nor the first. He entered a long running controversial argument with father Orazio Grazzi, over the nature of comets, however, it ended with Galileo writing one of his most controversial works, “The Assayer”. While under house arrest for his views on the heliocentric universe, Galileo wrote one of the greatest works of his life, “Two New Sciences”. When he died, he was not allowed to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Croce with his father and grandfather, rather being buried next to the novice’s chapel in the basilica to the sacristy at the word of the