Describe Galileo’s mathematical-experimental method. Explain how he used it to formulate a new theory of motion and how this theory contributed to the acceptance of Copernican heliocentric theory. In particular, explain how Galileo’s theory disposes of the Aristotelian objections to the hypothesis of a moving Earth based on observations of free-falling objects. What role does relativity of motion play in Galileo’s analysis? Use Galileo’s discussion in his “Dialogue Concerning Two Chief World Systems” to support your answers.
Don’t attempt to write the paper without first working through the relevant materials. These are the posted lectures, the assigned readings and related items posted under Content. Of the latter, the most directly relevant are Ch 5 of the Birth of a New Physics and the previously assigned portion of Thus Spoke Galileo (pp. 1-115). You may also find it useful, if you have time, to read documents I, II, V, VI and IX in Finocchiaro, The Galileo Affair. The reference in the paper topic to Galileo’s Dialogue, is to the various translated passages in Thus Spoke Galileo and the Excerpts from Galileo posted under Content — I don’t expect you to read the Dialogue separately.
Bear in mind this is a complex argument in which Galileo seeks to make a scientific case for the physical consistency of the hypothesis of a moving Earth. There are several elements to it — experimental, theoretical, philosophical, this last having to do with the very idea what it is to establish something as scientifically true. Your job is to explain these elements and show how they all fit together to produce an argument that Galileo thinks should rationally persuade someone that Copernicus may well be right about Earth’s motion even though that seems to go against common sense and evidence from experience epitomized in the argument from free fall. You may include as much detail as you think is essential to the argument.