Abstract
Galileo's way of doing science is very controversial. Some historians interpret their work in the light of empiricism, that is, science constructed through sensory data interpreted in the light of logical-mathematical reasoning. Others interpret their work under the aegis of rationalism, by means of which science is constructed, a priori, starting from reality, through pure hypothetical-deductive reasoning. In this view, Galilean experimental incursions played a secondary role in the development of his work. Therefore, two distinct forms of interpretation arise and an asymmetric view of doing science. The scientific method is seen as a recipe, and in an attempt to obtain explanations that best approach reality and achieve true knowledge, it is imperative to follow certain pre-established rules or predetermined restrictions. In contrast, sectarian-free interpretations clarify and promote the genesis of Galilean thought, taking it to a much more complex and lavish level. Some interpretations suggest raising the condition of Galileo to genius and not to a great talent, without observing that the difference between them lies in the addition of intuition to talent, an indispensable ingredient for the transposi-tion between the empirical and rational instances at the right time, so natural to geniuses. According to this point of view, Galileo's work challenges the thesis of being an asymmetric and closed process, replacing it with a dialectical bias, giving intuition and imagination essential roles in the development of his work, hence the genius of his work. personality. This work seeks to understand the genesis and motivations inherent to Galileo's works and the impossibility of compartmentalizing his activity, thinking and originality in narrow and imprecise molds.
Highlights
What underpinned the development of Galilean science? Did it establish itself from rationalism or empiricism? Were there external factors, implicit or not, that motivated its construction? The attempt to decode a brilliant, creative, kaleidoscopic mind and deeply imbued with the multifaceted ideals of the Renaissance is a thorny task, if not impossible
In the case of Galileo, three intricacies seem to converge and feed his creative flow, allowing for a necessary reflection for this purpose: the singularity of the historical moment in which he lived, the strong paternal influence and the frequent circumstantial drives that fostered his skills as an engineer and craftsman
The historical moment pertinent to the present discussion is at the end of the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th century, a period marked by profound social, technological and scientific transformations, above all in the way man faces the world
Summary
What underpinned the development of Galilean science? Did it establish itself from rationalism or empiricism? Were there external factors, implicit or not, that motivated its construction? The attempt to decode a brilliant, creative, kaleidoscopic mind and deeply imbued with the multifaceted ideals of the Renaissance is a thorny task, if not impossible. Divine, that would leave indelible marks and would decisively influence the way you see Nature, the Universe [3] His interest in mathematics became more intense, when he was still a medical student, with the lessons of Ostilio Ricci (1540-1602), court mathematician in Pisa specializing in Euclidean geometry, in addition to a great friend of Vincenzo. As a professor at the University of Padova, Galileo opened a workshop at his home aimed at teaching military fortifications and building mathematical and military instruments (Figure 01) Thanks to his training and skills, it was possible to build a structure that attracted apprentices of different shades – mathematicians, philosophers, artists, military engineers and artisans –, while becoming a specialist in the construction of optical instruments and machines, especially those focused on defence and life in fortresses [4]. It is within this perspective that scholars of his work come to assume singular positions and positions based on his particular point of view
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