Scientific Revolution

Questions for Study and Discussion:

Galileo, "Letter to the Grand Duchess Christina"

1) How does Galileo reconcile the claims of the Church, which are based on faith and scripture, with those of the new scientists, which are based on reason and scientifically demonstrated facts?  If the "truth" of the Bible (which "can never speak untruth" (51)) conflicts with the "necessary and immutable truth of the fact" (67), and "two truths cannot contradict one another" (54), does it then follow that one or the other is wrong?

2) What for Galileo is the primary purpose of the sacred writings of the Bible?  In what way does this contrast with the essential function of science?  Does Galileo reject the authority of scripture?  Does science replace theology?  Does a secular understanding of the world replace a theological one? 

3) Galileo relies heavily on Augustine to support his position.  How does he employ Augustine?  Do you think Augustine would agree with Galileo's claims?

4) While Galileo depends on Augustine for theological support, his position comes closer to that taken by Al-Ghazali in "Freedom and Fulfillment."  In what ways are Galileo and Al-Ghazali similar in their understanding of the separate spheres of religion and science?