Ateneo - UPO

Galileo and astronomical discoveries

M. Camerota, Galileo Galilei e la cultura scientifica nell’età della Controriforma, Roma, Salerno Editrice, 2004.
G. Galilei, Sidereus nuncius, in Opere, vol. I, a cura di F. Brunetti, Torino, UTET, 2005, pp. 276-319.
One book on Galileo will be assigned by the teacher.

The course will put students in condition of knowing and comparing different historiographical approaches, complex problems in the history of science and early modern scientific texts (in original or critical edition). A more advanced goal will put students in condition of give clear and consistent communication of data, interpretations, opinions, autonomous elaboration of topics, contextualization of issues, ability to argue in debates with equals, written and oral communication (in clear and consistent form) of data and interpretations.

Basic knowledge of the history of science, as achieved attending the courses in History of Science I and II (Filosofia e Comunicazione).

Lectures and seminars; a proof in itinere; students' expositions on essays arranged with the teacher. At least a week before the exam, students will send written papers to the teacher. Oral and written expositions are compulsory.

Non-attening students will ask and receive supplementary bibliography to prepare and submit a supplementary written paper.

One proof in itinere. Oral exam.

The course will focus on Galileo's life and works. With the teacher's guide, students will analyse different historiographical approaches and they will read "Sidereus Nuncius". Particular attention will be paid to Galileo's first telescopic observations.

Knowledge and comparison of different approaches in the history of science; comprehension of complex problems in early modern scientific texts (in original or critical edition). Clear and consistent communication of data, interpretations, opinions. Autonomous elaboration of topics; contextualisation of issues. Ability to argue in debates with equals. Written and oral communication (in clear and consistent form) of data and interpretations.