It can be seen from the beginning that Galileo is writing defensively in his letter. At the very beginning, he criticizes those who criticize him in order to neutralize their opinions. He openly condemns their close-mindedness by writing, “Showing a greater fondness for their own opinions than for truth . . .” (175). In doing this he succeeds in illustrating his critics’ inability to see past what they feel is right and distinguish what is the truth. The

In order to find the truth he uses the writings and influence of Saint Augustine, a pillar of the Church in the minds of all Catholics. It is obvious that Galileo would use Saint Augustine for support, because no one in the Church or anywhere else would refute his writings. Augustine’s theories in theology are very important to the basic thinking of the Catholic Church. Of course, the Church leaders were the principle persecutors of Galileo, so it is logical that Galileo would choose Augustine as an appropriate foundation for defending his beliefs.

So the reasons for Galileo’s use of Augustine being established, it can also be seen in his letter how Augustine specifically supports his theories. The basis of both Galileo’s and Augustine’s views is the fact that the Bible should not be translated literally in matters of physical mysteries (184-185). Of course the central physical mystery that Galileo explores is the debate between the geocentric universe and the heliocentric universe. Apparently, the various leaders of the church and philosophers read the Bible literally, and from their reading they concluded that the earth was fixed in space, with the sun revolving around it (geocentric). This is also grounded in the Ptolemaic system of the universe, a system that many were reluctant to abandon (177). The geocentric theory clearly opposes the heliocentric theory, for the heliocentric theory explains that the earth rotates around the sun. So, Galileo’s acceptance of the heliocentric theory was clearly against what the Church had decided was true.

“truth” is Galileo’s central theme in his letter, and he wants to present to the world what is true and what is false.

Galileo was a significant figure in history, and his defense of the Copernican theory is very significant in the world of science. The criticism and persecution he endured was unjust, yet he was able to defend his position. He was able to h

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