Title

Four centuries later: how to close the “Galileo case”?

Abstract

In 1616, four hundred years ago, a panel of theologians at the Holy Office decreed the Copernican heliocentric system to be contradictory to the Holy Scripture and heretical.  This marked the official beginning of an excruciating dispute between the Catholic Church and science.  Less than two decades later Galileo was tried and sentenced to life house arrest, a condemnation that burdened the Church for centuries.  What happened?  What was the scientific and theological background to the decree?  Was it legitimate in its contemporary context?  If not, who was responsible for harming both Galileo and—for centuries—the Church in this way?  Is the “case” closed today?  Michael Segre, who has studied the related documents in depth, will attempt to answer these questions.

References

• Segre M (1991) In the wake of Galileo. New Brunswick. The Rutgers University Press 
• Segre M (2011-2012) Four Centuries Later: How to Close the Galileo Case? Physis 48:53-65
• Segre M (1999) Galileo: a ‘rehabilitation’ that has never taken place. Endeavour 2/1:20-23
• Segre M (1997) Light on the Galileo Case? Isis 88:484-504

Contact

segre@unich.com