A collaborative search for wisdom, at Middle Tennessee State University and beyond... "The pluralistic form takes for me a stronger hold on reality than any other philosophy I know of, being essentially a social philosophy, a philosophy of 'co'"-William James
Friday, October 30, 2015
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Exam Two Extra Credit
Do you agree that, contrary to Pascal, most nonreligious people would consider it a huge sacrifice to devote their lives to religion? Why?
Honestly, I don't know if I agree with this statement or not, and this is simply because I have never been nonreligious. I grew up in a very devout Christian family and that has made me a very devoted follower of Christ. So for me having to give up my religion and live a life without it, would be a huge sacrifice for me. I would be giving up someone I truly believe in and love, and that would be a huge loss for me. So I guess you could look at it two ways, a nonreligious person might not believe in a higher power therefore they would not be giving up someone they care about if they devoted their life to religion. On the other hand though, I know living my life as a Christian gets very hard sometimes. I'm constantly faced with sacrifices, but for me I believe they will be worth it in the end. So, I definitely believe someone who is not religious to devote their life the religion without believing in the purpose behind it, would definitely be a very hard thing to do.
Kaylee Herrington (#8)
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Dusty Cantrell (12) Extra Credit
Do you agree that maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain are the main (if not exclusive) criteria of ethical action? Why or why not?
Maximizing pleasure is critical to flourishing in society. When a person experiences maximized pleasure they are consumed by happiness and radiate that energy. The person will become more productive and effective in their daily life. Maximized pleasure amongst a group in society can also greatly benefit the society as a whole. The society then receives maximized potential.
However, minimal pain is only acceptable sometimes. Pain is an important ingredient for the human nature. It allows them to grow into better people and this in turn aids societies progression. Think back when you endured a period of time in pain. Did you lose from it, or did you gain further knowledge on life and what to make of it.
Maximizing pleasure is critical to flourishing in society. When a person experiences maximized pleasure they are consumed by happiness and radiate that energy. The person will become more productive and effective in their daily life. Maximized pleasure amongst a group in society can also greatly benefit the society as a whole. The society then receives maximized potential.
However, minimal pain is only acceptable sometimes. Pain is an important ingredient for the human nature. It allows them to grow into better people and this in turn aids societies progression. Think back when you endured a period of time in pain. Did you lose from it, or did you gain further knowledge on life and what to make of it.
Exam Two Extra Credit
Exam Two Extra Credit
Mikayla Briggs
What have you learned, so far, about "how to live"? Have you formulated any life-lessons based on personal experience, inscribed any slogans, written down any "rules"?
I'm only 19. But, I don't believe that age says much in the way of life experience. The bumps and bruises (and quite a few concussions) that life has left me with have taught me that what really matters is people. On your deathbed, you're not going to be clinging to college transcript, or a trophy, or a paycheck. You'll surround yourself with people you care about and you'll make sure they know exactly how much you love them. People need people. We're not meant to do life alone. I've learned to be sure that I make time for the things that truly matter. I mean, I'm not saying don't do your work or that it's okay to be failing every class as long as you have friends, don't get me wrong: have priorities. But, when life hits (and it will), people are what get you through that. And when life is great, people are there to celebrate with you. Community is important and people matter. Have goals, have a work ethic, actually try in life, but make time for people too. Hang out with your friends. Get to know the entirety of a person: even the junk. Help them carry the hard stuff and celebrate the victories. Forgive wrongs done to you and ask for forgiveness for your wrongs. Live at peace with those around you. Go out and make new friends. Look up from your phone and talk to the person in line behind you at Starbucks. Learn to trust. Love people well.
Mikayla Briggs
What have you learned, so far, about "how to live"? Have you formulated any life-lessons based on personal experience, inscribed any slogans, written down any "rules"?
I'm only 19. But, I don't believe that age says much in the way of life experience. The bumps and bruises (and quite a few concussions) that life has left me with have taught me that what really matters is people. On your deathbed, you're not going to be clinging to college transcript, or a trophy, or a paycheck. You'll surround yourself with people you care about and you'll make sure they know exactly how much you love them. People need people. We're not meant to do life alone. I've learned to be sure that I make time for the things that truly matter. I mean, I'm not saying don't do your work or that it's okay to be failing every class as long as you have friends, don't get me wrong: have priorities. But, when life hits (and it will), people are what get you through that. And when life is great, people are there to celebrate with you. Community is important and people matter. Have goals, have a work ethic, actually try in life, but make time for people too. Hang out with your friends. Get to know the entirety of a person: even the junk. Help them carry the hard stuff and celebrate the victories. Forgive wrongs done to you and ask for forgiveness for your wrongs. Live at peace with those around you. Go out and make new friends. Look up from your phone and talk to the person in line behind you at Starbucks. Learn to trust. Love people well.
Extra Credit Exam 2
2. Have you encountered or directly experienced an event you would consider a "miracle" in Hume's sense of the term? Was it a "miracle on ice" when the U.S. beat the U.S.S.R. in 1980? Is it a miracle that K.C. almost won the World Series? Is it a miracle that you and I are alive? Do we need a better word for these events?
I do not believe in miracles. I do no think that exist. Maybe it is because I have never experienced one but I think that the word "miracle" is overused to described an instant where things went the way you had hoped by coincidence such as the U.S. beating U.S.S.R or K.C almost winning the World Series. I do think that there needs to be a better word for occurrences such as these
I do not believe in miracles. I do no think that exist. Maybe it is because I have never experienced one but I think that the word "miracle" is overused to described an instant where things went the way you had hoped by coincidence such as the U.S. beating U.S.S.R or K.C almost winning the World Series. I do think that there needs to be a better word for occurrences such as these
EXAM 2 EXTRA CREDIT
EXAM 2 EXTRA CREDIT- Can freedom be forced? Would we be more free or less, if the law didn't compel us to pay our taxes and behave lawfully? How would you feel, as a law-abiding citizen, if your neighbor could get away with lawlessness?
Freedom is the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. Everyone of our ancestors migrated here for the sole purpose of freedom and opportunity. There are those who might think our freedom is restricted, limited, conditional, or restrained due to the laws we are obligated to follow but what these individuals don't understand is that these laws actually enforce and embrace freedom. What good is freedom of religion if our neighbors can freely cut off our heads if they do not agree with our beliefs? If we constantly live in fear from thinking our own thoughts and practice of free will then we are not truly free. Rules prevent people from the quest of taking away others freedom that way we can enjoy our own. And the only one who can take away our freedom by our standards is if you attempt or do take away someone elses.
Freedom is the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. Everyone of our ancestors migrated here for the sole purpose of freedom and opportunity. There are those who might think our freedom is restricted, limited, conditional, or restrained due to the laws we are obligated to follow but what these individuals don't understand is that these laws actually enforce and embrace freedom. What good is freedom of religion if our neighbors can freely cut off our heads if they do not agree with our beliefs? If we constantly live in fear from thinking our own thoughts and practice of free will then we are not truly free. Rules prevent people from the quest of taking away others freedom that way we can enjoy our own. And the only one who can take away our freedom by our standards is if you attempt or do take away someone elses.
Friday, October 23, 2015
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Lion King and Philosophy
Barbee- Thrash
Oliver
Philosophy 1030
I will be doing Lion King and Philosophy. Seeing how the Pride was run on the Circle of Life, and how that kept each animal in their place, including the hyenas that were forced to stay in the shadows. I'll also be looking into the true view and intentions of Scar, who had the goal to ultimately run the Pride after his brother and only to be replaced by his nephew Simba. Of course, one philosophy that was shared throughout the movie was Hakuna Matata, and I'll go into how meaning can actually be interpreted from Timon and Pumba's meaning and the true actual meaning behind those catchy lyrics.
Lastly I’ll also go into the mixed and maybe vague beliefs that Mufasa believed in and taught to Simba, which did bring on the confusion later on during his meeting with Timon and Pumba. The lining of the religious belief and radical belief throughout the movie and how that played a role in Simba’s reckless decisions to finally go back to Pride Rock and take responsibility.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Avengers and Philosophy
Avengers and Philosophy
Reyna Shellhart and Will Nelson
Everyone
has heard of the Avengers and if you haven’t then you obviously live under a
rock, because it’s only the best superhero comic/movie on earth. And if you’ve
read the comics or seen the end of Avengers 2: Age of Ultron then you also know
about the Avengers Academy. Within the academy is the Superhuman Ethics Class,
and if you ask me, the most obvious teachers for Superhuman Ethics Class would
be Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor, also known as “Avengers Prime”, and not
Hank Pym or Tigra. This reasoning comes from the fact that while each of these
three classic heroes exemplifies his particular moral compass in his solo
adventures, it is through their interactions—especially their conflicts—within
the Avengers that they best illustrate their different ethical approaches. We will begin by addressing these interactions and conflicts and how they emphasize the characters' moral systems.
We will end by talking about the philosophy of being good by relating it to the successor of Sheild, H.A.M.M.E.R. We will also discuss the importance of the phrase "Is it necessary to be good, or is it enough to appear to be good?" And how Plato and the Ancient Greeks are related to the Avengers and the Dark Avengers.
Sun Tzu
SUN TZU
Dusty Cantrell, Eli Price, Josh King
Our midterm group presentation is over the great Chinese
philosopher Sun Tzu. We will be looking at how his text “The Art of War” was
originally meant to benefit a military in gaining knowledgeable strategy
tactics. Also, we will talk about how Sun Tzu’s philosophies developed goal
orientations, leadership and most of all communication and preparation. We will
determine practical uses for the philosophies of Sun Tzu.
We will discuss how
Sun Tzu’s philosophies translate between eastern and western societies, as well
as, components of human interaction in relation to balance and efficiency. We
will discuss how each society has a different focus of the philosophy in
relation to the individual and the whole.
Finally, we will end with how you can
relate sun Tzu’s teachings with the world and economy we have today, which is
business driven. Sun Tzu can give you an edge in the business world by
translating his philosophies into modern priorities. To allow us to further
progress we can make use of old philosophies and shape it to the needs we have
today.
"...And now for something completely different" -- Monty Python and Philosophy
"It's..."
When one hears the name "Monty Python" many of us naturally feel the urge to follow it with "and the Holy Grail", the film titled by the sum of both parts being the surrealist comedy group's most successful and widely popular works. In turn, our idea of "Monty Python" might consist mostly of the silly knights we see in the film dancing and singing in Camelot about how they eat "ham and jam and spam a lot", or perhaps the killer Rabbit of Caerbannog; regardless, what we might not think about when we think of Monty Python is the vast span of philosophical ideas jammed just underneath that surface of silliness and characteristically deadpan British humour.
Out of all of these, which stretch out across all three of Monty Python's major motion pictures as well as all fourty-five episodes of the sketch comedy program "Monty Python's Flying Circus", the three major points that I have chosen to explore in my presentation are those found mostly in the two films besides the Holy Grail, "The Life of Brian" and "The Meaning of Life". These three major points specifically deal with Monty Python's criticisms of religion, transcendentalism, and happiness through utilitarianism and their relationship to the ideals of other noteworthy philosophers.
Monday, October 19, 2015
Hip Hop & Philosophy
Posted for Chris Redditt, Mckayla Boaatwright, Evan Luster, Monee Preston-
My group split hip hop and philosophy into four parts. Chris will be talking about god and love from the book. He will discuss the aspect of god’s power from saint Thomas Aquinas beliefs. He will, also, discuss love from different philosopher’s point of view and dealing with hip hop. Mckayla will talk about the authenticity, blackness, and sexuality involving hip hop and philosophy. She will also talk about the two types of hip hop.
Evan will be discussing the essence of violence in hip hop and in philosophy. Monee will be talking about the language and ethics of the hip hop and philosophy topic. Hip hop and philosophy are very similar. Both have people teaching lessons, for example, hip hop has rappers and philosophy has philosophers. They both express the beliefs to the world and other people follow their words. Their beliefs are somewhat identical as well. For example, Andre 3000 and the philosopher Pausanias both believe that there are two types of love. A physical love and then the type of love that is more in to the person’s character.
Sunday, October 18, 2015
OITNB & Philosophy
Charmika
Loren
Tynisha
When you watch OITNB on television you think of it as just another television show. We will be opening your eyes to a few specific stand points of the show and how they relate to philosophy. We all read different essays, but we will tie everything to a few philosophers in the end.
We will discuss specific characters and how those characters compare to a few philosophers, such as Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren & Rene' Decartes and Yvonne "Vee" Parker & Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. We will explain the author's comparison on friends, how it relates to Aristotle, and the real world. And since these are essays we will be giving our opinion and beliefs on the topics that are discussed, with credible information to back up our claims.
Loren
Tynisha
When you watch OITNB on television you think of it as just another television show. We will be opening your eyes to a few specific stand points of the show and how they relate to philosophy. We all read different essays, but we will tie everything to a few philosophers in the end.
We will discuss specific characters and how those characters compare to a few philosophers, such as Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren & Rene' Decartes and Yvonne "Vee" Parker & Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. We will explain the author's comparison on friends, how it relates to Aristotle, and the real world. And since these are essays we will be giving our opinion and beliefs on the topics that are discussed, with credible information to back up our claims.
The Philosophy of Alice in Wonderland
The Philosophy of Alice in Wonderland
The famous children's novel "Alice in Wonderland" is not your average children's book. This imaginative story was written by author, logician, mathematician, and photographer Lewis Carrol in 1865. "Alice" isn't your typical fairy tale love story with a happily ever after type ending. Instead, this book is about the colorful adventures of a brave little girl who has "fallen down the rabbit hole" and must use her wits to help her get back out. Alice in Wonderland covers many philosophical topics such as psychedelics, reality versus dreaming, the logical and illogical, the impossible, and proper gender roles.
Drugs and Reality
Alice brings into play the questioning of reality. The certain amount of
skepticism that what we perceive as reality or normal
experience isn’t. Plato
and Chou also ask this question of dreaming vs reality. How do we know if we
are dreaming ourselves at this moment because we aren’t aware of one state or
the other? Alice experiences almost the same dialogue Plato created, with the
cat telling her she is mad, but unlike us she doesn’t know she’s dreaming and
denies that she is mad because she’s unaware of the state she is in. Some
philosophers believe that drugs can actually enhance and bring us to see the
true world around us. With us only hearing and seeing a limited amount of
spectrum in the world around us, drugs allow us to see the world as it truly is
through mystical experiences.
(Whitney Ingle)
Six Impossible Things Before Breakfast
(Elsbeth Embretson)
Gender Roles
The female leads in most fairy tales follow similar gender stereotyped patterns. These characters are usually a damsel in distress waiting for a man to
save her. The dainty damsel is usually a victim of some kind of cruel life circumstance that she is powerless to and unable to change on her own. The heroine Alice is a completely different
kind of female character. Alice stands up for herself, takes charge, and doesn’t
need a man or even an adult to save her. The questions concerning gender roles in Carol's "Alice" are questions that have long been debated by philosophers throughout the years. It is a common opinion especially among ancient philosophers, that women are the weaker of the sex and have a certain place in society as wives, mothers, and helpmates. Carol's heroine challenges these outdated feminine roles, and celebrates feminine strength, freedom, and capability.
(Morgan Massey)
Friday, October 16, 2015
Martin Luther (Austin, Janet, Karol)
Martin Luther was a German monk in the 16th century, however he wasn't always a monk. One night he was caught in a horrible thunderstorm and he yelled " Save me Saint Anne and I will become a monk!" I wonder if he wouldn't of screamed this what the outcome would have been, regardless he became a monk and is a very important person in history. At the time, Catholic was the prominent religion. The Catholic Church was very corrupt in many ways, some examples of this is the price on marriage, but the most important and disgusting one was the practice of indulgence selling. Indulgences are a way to receive a lesser punishment; sadly Friar Johann and many other church officials starting using this as a way to raise money for the church. This money was used on things such as decorating the Basilica in Rome etc. Martin Luther, very upset with this practice wrote the famous 95 thesis; this is a list of questions up for debate about the church rather than accusations. This book was the foundation of the Protestant Reformation and is very important throughout history.
Martin Luther eventually dies on February 18th, 1546.
Martin Luther eventually dies on February 18th, 1546.
Thursday, October 15, 2015
The Wizard of Oz and Philosophy
Mikayla, Haley, Ashley, and Vanessa (#12)
The Wizard of Oz brings up interesting topics that have been debated for years in the world of philosophy. Things such as evil, feminism, atheism, technology and it's part in our society and virtue are all presented in this fairy tale by L. Frank Baum, the original author. This story was originally published in 1900 and was a revolutionary one for it's time, being that the stories geared towards children were still the original grim fairy tales. When analyzed thoroughly, this story has many underlying philosophical themes.
Dorothy, as portrayed in the movie version, is viewed as a dainty 'damsel in distress' character. However, in the original book, she has many feminist qualities. Loosely based on Baum's mother-in-law, Dorothy is portrayed as a self-reliant woman who does not rely on a male counterpart. This story also has several nods towards religion which can be related to current intersectional feminism themes.
As we all know, the Wizard grants Dorothy and her companions what they ask for: A brain, courage, and the infamous return to Kansas. The Tin Man asks for a heart, which would make him less of a robot and connect him, emotionally, to the world. In our world the exact opposite it happening; people are being "corrected" with various replacement parts and things like pace makers. The Tin Man seems to present the embodiment of what technology is heading towards.
In Oz exists a remarkable absence of evil. When considered the surrounding fairy tales of the time, Oz is free of many grim and frightening elements. Whenever evil does come into play, it is quickly defeated by Dorothy and her friends. Baum strongly held to the idea that morals should be taught through methods that are enlightening and do not induce nightmares.
The four characters are presented with several lesson-learning, character building situations. Circumstances such as these present two possibilities: the ability to become virtuous or vicious. The outcome can be good or bad; the difference lies in knowing the distinction between the two.
The Wizard of Oz brings up interesting topics that have been debated for years in the world of philosophy. Things such as evil, feminism, atheism, technology and it's part in our society and virtue are all presented in this fairy tale by L. Frank Baum, the original author. This story was originally published in 1900 and was a revolutionary one for it's time, being that the stories geared towards children were still the original grim fairy tales. When analyzed thoroughly, this story has many underlying philosophical themes.
Dorothy, as portrayed in the movie version, is viewed as a dainty 'damsel in distress' character. However, in the original book, she has many feminist qualities. Loosely based on Baum's mother-in-law, Dorothy is portrayed as a self-reliant woman who does not rely on a male counterpart. This story also has several nods towards religion which can be related to current intersectional feminism themes.
As we all know, the Wizard grants Dorothy and her companions what they ask for: A brain, courage, and the infamous return to Kansas. The Tin Man asks for a heart, which would make him less of a robot and connect him, emotionally, to the world. In our world the exact opposite it happening; people are being "corrected" with various replacement parts and things like pace makers. The Tin Man seems to present the embodiment of what technology is heading towards.
In Oz exists a remarkable absence of evil. When considered the surrounding fairy tales of the time, Oz is free of many grim and frightening elements. Whenever evil does come into play, it is quickly defeated by Dorothy and her friends. Baum strongly held to the idea that morals should be taught through methods that are enlightening and do not induce nightmares.
The four characters are presented with several lesson-learning, character building situations. Circumstances such as these present two possibilities: the ability to become virtuous or vicious. The outcome can be good or bad; the difference lies in knowing the distinction between the two.
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Midterm Group Report Summary: (#8) Paul the Apostle
Kaylee Herrington and Unesti Banks
Unesti and I split our report of Saint Paul into four
parts: his early life, his beliefs and philosophy, why he is still so important
to many, and finally his imprisonments and death. We will include in our
presentation how Saint Paul and Greek philosophy ties together, and how he used
Epicurean and Stoic language to better preach his messages.
Saint Paul was born in Tarsus of Cilicia to a
very devout Jewish family. He was Jewish, but because of his father he had
Roman citizenship. He was an early Pharisee that believed strongly in the Law.
This was until his journey from Jerusalem to Damascus where he saw Jesus Christ
in a bright light, and was then converted to Christianity. Since that time he
started preaching that Jesus Christ was the Messiah and Son of God. Saint Paul
being Jewish with Roman citizenship he was able to preach to both audiences and
reach many people with the word of God.
The
apostle Paul authored 13 of the 27 books in the New Testament, and by many is
considered the second founder of Christianity. Many people believe that without
him the western world would have never adapted Christianity and would today
still believe in the polytheistic religions of the Roman Empire.
Saint
Paul was gospel scholar and a very talented teacher. He was able to preach the
word a way people could understand it and by this he got many people to follow
him. Because St. Paul was preaching the word of Jesus Christ though, he was
arrested many times and eventually he is believed to have been martyred for his
works.
It's Always Sunny & Philosophy
Dennis, Dee, Mac, Charlie, and Frank are some of the most self-centered jerks alive. Collectively, “the gang” represent an exaggerated version of the disregard for others we all possess. The show takes a similar concept of Seinfeld in that it is kind of a show about nothing. The plot boils down to a group of friends in Philly that own a bar, and spend way more time hatching schemes to get over on people than they do actually working. They even leave their bar without anyone running the place to go do something devious or fun from time to time. The title of the show itself can be seen as a philosophy. Although the characters often have an optimistic view for their latest scheme, the result is almost always resoundingly not in their favor. However, these degenerates are resilient, and they continue to try to beat the system or swindle fellow citizens for their own benefit. Equally apparent as their egocentricity is their tendency to seek pleasure. The gang digging up graves, exploiting the welfare system, running a sweatshop, shooting people, kidnaping people, poisoning flip-cup rivals, impersonating police to steal money, and faking cancer are all done with the goal of pleasure. In “The Gang Solve The Gas Crisis,” Dee even reveals that she was contemplating killing her brother Dennis to become the heir to her recently deceased mother’s fortune.
Galileo Galilei
Sam Smith, Vincent Thompson, Kara Stallings
Galileo Galilei was born in Italy in 1564 and died
in 1642. He was an astronomer, physicist, engineer, mathematician, and
philosopher. His philosophy and work in physics was heavily influenced by
Copernicus and Aristotle. One of Galileo's most important contributions to
physics is his thought experiment on falling bodies or the movement of objects
in free fall which originated in 1590. The falling bodies experiment eventually
led to the establishment of the principle that all bodies all at the same speed
in a vacuum. This conclusion differs from Aristotle’s theory of free fall which
states that all bodies of the same kind fall with speeds proportional to their
size. While Galileo's original experiment is not without flaw, the ultimate
conclusion has made a massive impact on modern physics.
Galileo
was a man who was duly noted for his early elaboration on the physics of
Aristotle. Aristotle believed that elements determined why certain resources
did certain things. He believed that stones hit the ground because it was an
earthy element and wanted to be close to something of similarity. He also
believed the same about smoke and air. Galileo stated that an arrow kept flying
through the air due to the law of inertia, and a wood block didn’t move across
a table due to the law of friction. He essentially laid down the groundwork for
Sir Isaac Newton with this notion.
From
this work, Galileo then expanded his studies from that beyond the realm of the
Earth by following under Copernicus’s theory. This assertion was the beginning
domino effect to Galileo’s conflicts with the Church. Initially, his conflict
with the Catholic Church started with his defense of the concept of
heliocentrism. It was previously thought and the accepted view of the church
that the Earth was the center of the universe. Nicolaus Copernicus a 14th
century philosopher revived the controversial argument of heliocentrism when he
published “Commentariolus”. Galileo defending these views in his writing
submitted to the Roman Inquisition in 1615. The bible states in certain text
and scripture that “the world is firmly established and cannot be moved”.
Galileo’s view on heliocentrism was deemed heretical on the premises that it
contradicts the bible. He was told to abandon his idea and not to speak on it.
He stated away from the controversy until he published, “Dialogue Concerning
the Two Chief World Systems” in 1632. It was an authorized publication with a
few stipulations. Pope Urban VIII insisted that Galileo mention arguments for
and against heliocentrism and that his personal views were included in the
book. Simplio, the main character against the concept of heliocentrism voiced
the words of the pope and was often portrayed in a foolish way. The pope
recognized this and did not take this lightly. He lost the popes support and
was sentenced to defend his writings in Rome. He was found guilty of heresy and
made to recant his beliefs. He received a life sentence of house arrest. It is
rumored that during his last moment before sentencing he uttered the rebellious
phrase “and yet it moves”.
Furthermore,
this 1633 trial of Galileo Galilei did not only end Galileo’s career
essentially but it also marked the end of the Italian Renaissance as well.
Galileo's
first instinct when noting Copernicus’s successful work was to turn to a few of
his like-minded friends, one of them being monk Benedetto Castelli. He most likely decided to keeps his opinions
out of the public, writing to Castelli: "In order to convince those obdurate
men, who are out for the vain approval of the stupid vulgar, it would not me
enough even if the stars came down on earth to bring witness about
themselves. Let us be concerned only
with gaining knowledge for ourselves, and let us find therein our consolation."
To paraphrase this quote, Galileo is stating that although he agrees with
Copernicus, he feels it may be best to allow the people to decide for
themselves what they should believe to be true.
However,
this plan quickly succumbed to Galileo’s persistent need for the truth. He soon
decided to address his arguments publically with various semi-simplistic styled
writings (i.e. tracts, pamphlets, letters, and dialogues) in order to better
fit his broadened audience. One of these writings just so happened to be a set
of letters called “The Solar Spots” which Galileo actually published. This
marked the beginning of the conflicts with the church as the Dominican friar
contacted Galileo claiming that he was violating Scripture:
"So
the sun stood still in the midst of heaven" or Isaiah 40:22
Galileo
later answered to this criticism with a letter of his own reasoning that the
Scripture was of course correct seeing as God’s word was law during the time
period. However he went on to state that some phrases within scripture should
be considered more figuratively rather than actually. With this he used a
brilliant example: "the hand of God" is not meant to be interpreted
as referring to a five-fingered appendage, but rather to God’s presence in our
selves and lives. Also, given this knowledge Galileo challenged that it would
be irrational to see his writings as backing up one point over the other.
"Who, would dare assert that we know all there is to be known?"
This
letter infuriated the church and they quickly deemed him as attacking God’s
word altogether. They took up the
matters at a higher level and threatened to condemn his work altogether.
Galileo then broke, pleading with the church in a powerful summary "do not
condemn it without understanding it, without hearing it, without even having
seen it."
The
church settled with Galileo and enjoined him rather than condemning his work.
He was forced to “abandon all of his opinions on the subject, sustain from
teaching or defending this opinion and even from discussing it."
This
lasted for several years until a new Pope came to power, giving Galileo a
newfound hope at publishing his works again. First encouraged by the new Pope
who seemed open to renewed debate Galileo began work on a book that would
eventually prove his undoing, Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems.
Unlike the works of Copernicus and Kepler, Galileo's Dialogue was a book for
the educated public, not specialists. Galileo organized a diversity of
arguments to lead his readers to one inevitable conclusion: Copernicus was
right.
This
was the final stroke of Galileo with the church which led to the official
surrender to the Holy Office and Inquisition. He then was imprisoned in the
Inquisition building for a short time before finally being released and allowed
back home where he grew blind and later died.
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