Galileo's trial-positive or negative impact?

[kingwinner]

Galileo's trial, concerning whether the earth is moving or stationary, is an example of the intense interaction (conflict) between science and religion in the 17th century. Galileo was put into house arrest in 1633 until his death for suggesting that the Earth is moving. Is the interaction between science and religion a positive or a negative thing?

I personally think this interaction may be negative and should avoid interacting because it stopped people from believing in the heliocentric system which is currently shown to be correct and it slowed down the progress and development of science.

What do you think? Any other comments? I just want to get more ideas...Thanks!:smile:

[berkeman]

I've heard that the Galileo situation was more complicated than you state, but I honestly have never gone and done the reading to find out for myself. Have you done much research on this, or are you just going by the 2-sentence description above?

Can you post a link to a more complete description of the situation?

BTW, religious discussions are not allowed here on the PF, so everybody please try to keep the discussion civil, and hopefully based on facts that can be referenced to here so that we can read more than just a 2-sentence summary (that may or may not be accurate).

[russ_watters]

Is this a question you are supposed to be writing a paper on?

[kingwinner]

There is a summary of the situation on this web site
http://www.hao.ucar.edu/Public/education/bios/trial.html

I would like to hear about some arguments to take this interaction as positive, interestingly, but I can't think of any...

[ZapperZ]

You neglected to answer Russ's question. Is this a schoolwork-related question? Keep in mind where you posted this - INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS Homework/Coursework forum!

Zz.

[kingwinner]

You neglected to answer Russ's question. Is this a schoolwork-related question? Keep in mind where you posted this - INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS Homework/Coursework forum!

Zz.
Yes, history of physics and astronomy

[malawi_glenn]

Yes, history of physics and astronomy

we are not historians =P

Physics is the science of energy, matter, forces and so on. History is the science of things that has happen, i.e wars, discoveries and so on..