What is science?

scientists

who use the 'scientific method' to explain nature's changes & processes

scientific method: observation, hypotheses, evidence/falsification > result/knowledge

What is good science?

gaining evidence over nature & helping community with it

Science: exploring the natural world (e.g. matter & nature)

as opposed to Anthropology & Political Science, dealing with human nature

What is bad science?

having authority over information & discoveries > to serve private, political needs

Galileo Galelei (1564-1642) - one of the greatest scientists

Galileo Galelei (1564-1642) - one of the greatest scientists

summarized biography:

Italian sceintist

most of his work in Padua, Florence & Venice

had trouble with Roman Catholic Church because of his ideas

Great:

made a "paradigm shif"t ; changed people's perception of universe & their own position

dared to think differently in a world determined by religion (Bible)

was a 'martyr for science' , condemned by church because of his astronomy & results

addressed important issue: testing what's been told by Church & questioning it

addressed important question: science & religion - compatible or not?

first to explain observations through mathematics

invented the concept of telescopic astronomy

saw moons of Jupiter & phases of the moon

observed spots (mountains) on Moon > universe - not perfect anymore?

changed the way scientists viewed their 'perfect universe'

developed scientific method: hypotheses based on observation, not only reason

Galileo's science

accelerated motion, falling objects

explained relation between distance & time

indicated concept of testing hypothesis > evidence

why is it a different science?

developed heliocentric system

didn't really put his concept of proving a hypotheis (heliocentric model) in action

lack of proof >criticism & disbelief

rejected (insulted Pope) anyone disagreeing with his idea

Conclusion/Question:

Would the history of 300 years of science have changed, if scientists like Galileo were provided more freedom??