Abstract
[first paragraph of article]Galileo Galilei (1564–1642), professor of mathematics at the University of Padua from 1592 to 1610, was a pillar in the history of our University and a symbol of freedom for research and teaching, well stated in the university motto ‘‘Universa Universis Patavina Libertas’’ (Total freedom in Padua, open to all the world). He invented the experimental method, based on evidence and calculation (‘‘science is measure’’) and was able, by using the telescope, to confirm the Copernican heliocentric theory, a challenge to the Bible. Bertrand Russell (1872–1970), in his book ‘‘The Problems of Philosophy’’ stated: ‘‘Almost everything that distinguishes modern world from earlier centuries is attributable to science, which achieved the most spectacular triumphs in the seventeenth century. Together with Harvey, Newton and Keplero, Galileo was a protagonist of this scientific revolution in the late Renaissance’’.
Highlights
Galileo Galilei (1564–1642), professor of mathematics at the University of Padua from 1592 to 1610, was a pillar in the history of our University and a symbol of freedom for research and teaching, well stated in the university motto ‘‘Universa Universis Patavina Libertas’’ (Total freedom in Padua, open to all the world).[1]
Cardinal Roberto Bellarmino (1542–1621), a Jesuit, who had graduated at the University of Padua (Figure 8) and was the chief of the Holy Office (Inquisition), who had condemned Giordano Bruno (1548–1600) to the stake for heresy, because he questioned the trinity and believed in the existence of an infinite universe, wrote to Father Paolo Antionio Foscarini (1565–1616) on April 12, 1615: ‘‘Whenever the motionless of the sun and the movement of the earth around the sun will be proven, we have to be prudent in interpreting the Scriptures which appear opposite and say that we do not understand rather than that is false what is demonstrated.’’14
The Pope could not attend, he sent a letter to the Rector in which he stated: ‘‘He attempted to contribute to the better knowledge of the truth, a purpose which is the common vocation of both scientists and theologists’’
Summary
Galileo Galilei (1564–1642), professor of mathematics at the University of Padua from 1592 to 1610, was a pillar in the history of our University and a symbol of freedom for research and teaching, well stated in the university motto ‘‘Universa Universis Patavina Libertas’’ (Total freedom in Padua, open to all the world).[1]. At the time of Doge Leonardo Donato, the Republic of Venice was excommunicated (‘‘Interdetto’’) by the Pope Paolo V (Camillo Borghese (1552–1621)), for having condemned two criminal friars, instead of entrusting them to the church.
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