Biography of Galileo Galilei

Galileo Galilei was an Italian brilliant mind who revolutionized the scientific world. At the age of seventeen he enrolled in the University of Pisa, where he studied medicine and took interest in mathematics. Due to lack of interest in medicine as well as financial issues, Galileo didn’t complete his degree, but years later he managed to get a position as a professor of the University. A few years later he began working at the University of Padua and remained there until 1610 (Andrade, 1964). It was during this period that he made most of his scientific discoveries. During this time, life in Italy for discoveries was difficult because of the church holding power over the scientists; however Galileo decided to go against the church’s will, and open the eyes of society on the true aspects of astronomy and natural science (Leveillee, 2011). Because of his passion for mathematics, Galileo was able to view the world in a quantitative, rather than a qualitative way. Even though there were struggles, Galileo still brought light over the issues in his field, and motivated others to continue with his study. He is remembered as the father of astronomy and remains one of the most competent scientists in the field (Andrade, 1964). This essay will explore Galileo’s observation of the contradiction in Aristotle’s reasoning through mathematics, his struggle between church and science, as well as his contribution to astronomy with the invention of the telescope.

Galileo came up with a very different approach in viewing the motion of falling objects. Unlike Aristotle, who viewed motion in terms of nature, Galileo focused strictly on the mathematical aspects (Finocchiaro, 1975). Galileo once said, “The universe cannot be read until we have learnt...

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...owledge consisted in observations and experiments. It was Galileo’s work and ideas that paved way for the rise of other great scientists such as Newton, who were able to build onto his theories and progress science to become the science that we know today. Galileo’s work with the telescope, showed the vast possibilities that were able to be explored. In the present day, not only do we have more powerful telescopes, but also the ability to directly explore space (Carhart, 1881).Galileo fought for the acceptance of the heliocentric model of the universe, and even though he didn’t live to see it prosper, thanks to him it is the heliocentric model that is active to this day. It is the basis for the study of astronomy and it is taught in schools. He is known as the father of astronomy and remains one of the most remembered and influential scientists in the field.