Galileo's Pursuit Of Religion

As my first point I will discuss the tensions between Galileo’s individual pursuit of the truth and the church, in what can only be described as an authoritarian society. The subject for debate I will be discussing is whether it is against ethical conduct to challenge such widely held religious beliefs in the name of science. As religion lay at the centre of society in Rome, the question is brought up whether people can be morally sound if they go against their religion for any reason. However, as a dedicated scientist Galileo values scientific knowledge and can no longer accept the theory of Aristotle’s “crystal spheres” (page, 41). Galileo rejects the Ptolemaic theory that the earth is the centre of the universe and instead proves the Copernican, heliocentric theories that suggest the earth moves around the
Brecht uses the metaphor of Galileo’s impending blindness throughout the play to highlight that his faith in reason makes him blind to the political realities around him. Galileo’s friend, Sagredo brings him back to reality and explains that if he tells the church his theory then he “is going to his doom.” (page, 33). Galileo is an individual who operates without a theological base and opposes the church’s doctrine for the good of scientific advancement and mankind. Galileo’s monologues offer insight into his character and morality, in scene 14 he states “that science’s sole aim must be to lighten the burden of human existence” (page, 108) highlighting that the intention of his work is for the good of mankind and not for personal gain. In this context I then believe it is sound to compromise one’s ethical conduct in the name of furthering human progress. If individuals throughout history were not willing to compromise themselves morally and challenge the state then our progress in the world would remain