Who was Galileo Galilei?
Mathematician, philosopher or courtier? Martyr of science, heretic or secular saint? His astronomical discoveries brought him contemporary celebrity while the long shadow of his condemnation has given him continuing cultural currency. This talk explores the many interpretations of Galileo – including those by Brecht – and shows how these changing images reveal as much about us as him.
Dr Stephen Johnston is Head of Research, Teaching and Collections at the Museum of the History of Science, University of Oxford. He will bring some Galilean telescopes to allow audience members to see the world as Galileo did.
This talk is followed by a production of Brecht’s “The Life of Galileo”.
