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13 November 2003
The "Galileo Affair" – the events
surrounding and including Galileo’s trial, recantation and
house arrest - is one of the powerful icons of western culture
that shape not only the image of science, but also how it is viewed
in relation to religion. Typically the affair has been depicted
as the repression of scientific inquiry by dogmatic religious
authority. In its legendary form it has helped to shape the notion
of science and religion as opposing forces in culture and society.
However, a growing body of scholarship on the actual historical
events and participants reveals a complex set of interactions,
value commitments, and judgments that are not easily characterized
as scientific truth versus religious authoritarianism.
Dr. Fantoli will review the findings of current
Galilean scholarship. In addition, he will provide an assessment
of the conclusions reached in 1992 by a Commission appointed by
Pope John Paul II to "coordinate the research of theologians,
scientists and historians which would help to further clarify
the events which occurred between Galileo and the Church and,
more generally, the Ptolemaic - Copernican controversy of the
16th and 17th centuries in which the Galileo affair is situated.”
This DoSER Lecture is being held in conjunction
with the performance of Bertolt Brecht's Life of Galileo at DC's
Studio Theatre. In addition to the play itself, DoSER has worked
with the Theatre to organize several seminars addressing the impact
of the "Galileo affair" on westrern culture in the light
of the actual history, the relation of Galileo to the interaction
of science and religion in the west, and issues of the control
of scientific knowledge. There will also be a seminar on the creation
of the Galileo character in the play. These seminars will take
place on November 8 and 9.
Keynote speaker:
Respondent
- J. Scott Hauger, PhD, Director, Science & Engineering Policy and Practice
Group, American Association for the Advancement of Science
Coverage:
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