World History

1.	Galileo’s conclusions about the position of Earth in the solar system raised objections from the Church.
2.	Galileo lived at the beginning of a period in which scientific inquiry flourished.

Appreciate the heightened
emotions that scientists, on the one hand, and the Church, on the other
hand, felt when Galileo published his theory about Earth’s position.
That is, bring home the conflict between science and tradition today. Scientific breakthroughs that humans are
experiencing or may shortly be experiencing—breakthroughs that some
members of society think should not be carried out.

• cloning of animals
  
• cloning of humans
  
• genetic reengineering, genetic screening
  
• fertility treatments
  
• further research into space
  
• radiation of food
  
• greatly extending the average life span

research one of the preceding
issues or other similarly controversial ones. The research shouldshow both sides of the issue—arguments for proceeding
with scientific inquiry or breakthroughs as well as arguments for not
proceeding.

Once the research is
complete, half of members the role of scientists
working in the field, asking for support for their work to continue.
Assign the other half of the group to play the roles of skeptical
government officials, media, and concerned citizens, all of whom think
it is improper to continue this line of scientific research and
development.

Face each other in a news conference
called by the scientists, who have an announcement to make. The
government officials, media, and concerned citizens should ask
challenging questions of the scientists and make statements of their
own. Assign one student from outside the group to act as moderator for
the news conference, introducing the scientists and calling on the
government officials, media, and citizens who have questions or
comments.


1. Explain the significance of Galileo’s observations of Jupiter and its moons, and evaluate Galileo’s contributions to science and history.

2. Discuss how the Copernican system threatened Church doctrine, and why the Dialogue of Galileo—a devout Catholic—offended the Church.

3. Debate Galileo’s decision to recant his heliocentric views. Do you consider this cowardice, or did Galileo have no choice? What would you have done in his situation?

4. Discuss why students of world history need to study Galileo, the Catholic Church and its Inquisition in order to understand the Scientific Revolution, the Protestant Reformation, and the subsequent Enlightenment (Age of Reason).

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