Galileo Galilei
Modern science is the practice of skepticism. Skepticism is defined as a ?critical attitude which systematically questions the notion that absolute knowledge and certainty are possible...in particular fields? (Skeptic?s Dictionary), meaning that modern science is the understanding that current scientific ?knowledge? is never infallible and that methods and truths must constantly evolve. Someone who experiments and constantly questions norms is a modern scientist. Such a person?s thought processes and experimentations must also follow a standardized format of inquiry. Based on the preceding criteria, Galileo Galilei was the first modern scientist.As the middle ages, and the blind faith in religious tradition that defined it, dwindled, an intellectual revolution based on rethinking and redetermining humanity?s place in the universe occurred (CSCC). ?An explosion of new ideas emanated from Europe beginning in the late sixteenth century. Revolutionary ideas in science provided a new window on the physical world? (Christopher 34). Among the great men to experience and contribute to this movement, Galileo Galilei was the most significant. For he gave us modern science?s most far reaching gift, the scientific method of expe
Gregor, Arthur S. (1965). Galileo. New York: Charles Scribner?s Sons. two bodies released from a given height will not reach the ground at different times because they have different ?earthliness? and ?fiery? characteristics, but merely because they are affected by air friction differently. If this is tried in vacuum, any two objects when released from a given height, will reach the ground simultaneously (Wudka). http://www.windows.umich.edu/cgi-bin/tour_def/people/ancient_epoch/aristotle.html Galileo cannot claim full responsibility for the creation of the scientific method as a process. He can, however, demand a significant amount of recognition in this area. For it is he, before any other natural philosopher, who was using models and experiments to prove his ideas. This was shown in great detail in the descriptions of his work on both telescopic astronomy and modern physics. http://www.phys.virginia.edu/classes/109N/lectures/gal_accn96.htm As previously stated, Galileo?s work in telescopic astronomy is his best remembered, but it is not in this area which he most contributed, nor is in this area that he most revolutionized contemporary methods. It was in the discipline of natural philosophy, known today as physics, that he truly ushered in a new era of modern science. Fowler, Michael. (1996). Galileo?s Acceleration Experiment. University of Virginia Physics Department.
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Approximate Pages = 17 (250 words per page double spaced)
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