Science, Method, and Argument in Galileo: Philosophical, Historical, and Historiographical Essays

This book collects renowned scholar's essays from the past five decades, focusing on an informal, empirical, naturalistic, practical, applied, concrete, and historical approach to logic and an interest in Galileo's life and thought. It includes critical analyses of key Galilean arguments, comparisons with other figures, and an approach to the science-vs-religion issue. It will be of interest to scholars in philosophy, logic, philosophy of science, history of science, history of religion, philosophy of religion, argumentation, rhetoric, and communication studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 475 pages
Publication date: 30 August 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive collection of essays spans over five decades, showcasing the profound insights and intellectual pursuits of a renowned scholar. It revolves around two central themes: an approach to logic that emphasizes argumentation, reasoning, and critical thinking, embracing an informal, empirical, naturalistic, practical, applied, concrete, and historical perspective. Additionally, the book delves into the life and thought of Galileo, exploring his scientific achievements, the Inquisition trial, and the methodological lessons derived from his iconic status as the "Father of Modern Science."

The republished essays in this collection offer a treasure trove of rare and previously unavailable material. They encompass a wide range of topics, including critical analyses of key Galilean arguments related to the laws of falling bodies and the Copernican hypothesis of the earth's motion. Furthermore, the book explores the intricate interplay between Galileo's argumentation and that of other influential figures such as Socrates, Karl Marx, Giordano Bruno, and his musicologist father, Vincenzo Galilei. The chapters on Galileo's trial provide a unique perspective on the science-vs-religion issue, characterized by Finocchiaro as "para-clerical." This approach conceptualizes the conflict in terms of a judicious consideration of arguments for and against Galileo and the Church.

Other essays in the collection delve into the examination of argumentation about Galileo's life and thought by prominent Galilean scholars of recent decades. This rich tapestry of perspectives offers a deep understanding of the scholar's intellectual legacy and its enduring impact on the fields of philosophy, logic, philosophy of science, history of science, history of religion, philosophy of religion, argumentation, rhetoric, and communication studies.

By presenting these essays in a well-organized and accessible format, this book serves as a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike. It provides a comprehensive exploration of the scholar's ideas, arguments, and contributions, shedding light on the intricate interplay between logic, science, religion, and society. The insights and perspectives offered in this collection will undoubtedly inspire further research and debate, contributing to our collective understanding of the world's intellectual heritage.

Weight: 765g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030771492
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021