Free Response Practice Test #1

"Why are the trials and tribulations of Galileo often considered both predicative of the future of Western Civilization as well as a perfect encapsulation of the context of his own time?"


Galileo was an Italian scientist, who lived from 1564 to 1642. He is many times referred to as "the father of science." His works greatly influenced the lives of people of his time, and they have also been a huge influence on modern science and many scientists throughout history.  The trials and tribulations of Galileo are often considered both predicative of the future of Western Civilization as well as a perfect encapsulation of the context of his own time because even though he was limited in tools and materials and he was not allowed to share some of his findings, his ideas and inventions helped change the lives of the people around him and basically started the scientific revolution, which has led humanity to where it is today.  


Galileo was limited in the tools and materials he could use as a scientist.  In the 16 and 17th century people did not have the kinds of technology like they do today.  There were no computers, iPads, and other fancy machines that scientists could work with.  Galileo had to make simple experiments.  One example is, he dropped items off the Leaning Tower of Pisa to see if they fell to the ground and if so, how fast they did.  He did not have many tools to make great machines either.  He invented the telescope, which helped sea men and the military.  His telescope worked, but it was nothing compared to the super high powered telescopes that astronomers use today. Even with these limits he was able to make tools and other inventions that made life easier for the people around him and allowed those people to then build off of his ideas. 


Galileo was also not allowed to share some of his ideas with the people.  At the time when Galileo lived, it was widely believed that the Earth was the center of the solar system.  This belief is called geocentricism.  People believed that the sun revolved around the Earth.  Galileo's ideas were different though.  He believed that the Earth revolved around the sun, which as people know today, is true.  This belief is called heliocentric-ism.  He discovered this by studying the tides.  In order for there to be tides there had to be some hidden force that caused them, which he believed was the rotation of earth while it orbits the sun. The Catholic church was against this idea because in their minds it went against church teachings.  Galileo, who was Catholic, argued that the scripture should not always be taken literally, so his idea was not going against it.  He published a book with his findings about heliocentric-ism to prove his theory, but the Church arrested him under the accusation of heresy.  They banned his book and sentenced him to house arrest for the rest of his life.  


Even with these different things trying to hold Galileo back, he still was able to change the world.  His works have been influencing people for centuries.  He discovered Jupiter's four largest moons, which are now named after him.  His book on heliocentric-ism was eventually accepted by the Catholic Church, so it was then available to people all over the world.  Today it is known that he was correct in saying that everything revolves around the sun.  He also started the ideas of the laws of motion, influencing Sir Issac Newton to continue and expand on those ideas.  As previously stated he invented the telescope.  He also perfected the compound light microscope, which is still used today.  He wrote many books on his findings and theories, passing on tons of information to future scientists, inspiring them and helping them to make progress on their own ideas. 


Galileo's ideas, experiments, findings, and inventions led the way for other scientists.  He started the scientific revolution.  Without him, the world today would be very different.  There would most likely not be the same amount of technology.  This would basically change everything in today's society because society revolves around technology.  Even though Galileo was held back by limited technology and opposition to his beliefs, his life's works helped shape the world into what it is today and they will continue to have an influence for years to come.