Galileo+vocab+and+questions

Galileo's Letter to the Duchess Christina - vocab and questions

Classwork questions 1. What does Galileo say about Truth? 2. How does Galileo describe his critics? 3. Does Galileo seem to believe in God? Provide evidence. 4. What view does Galileo have on the Bible? 5. How would you describe the tone of the letter? How do you think Duchess Christina received it (felt about it)?

Galileo Vocab **dimunition**: the act, process, or an instance of diminishing (decreasing) **obscure**: not readily understood or clearly expressed **obstinate**: perversely adhering to an opinion, purpose, or course in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion **confute**: to overwhelm in argument **endeavor**: to strive to achieve or reach **unwonted**: being out of the ordinary **aspersions**: the act of calumniating - to utter maliciously false statements, charges, or imputations about **manifest** :easily understood or recognized by the mind **abound**: to be present in large numbers or in great quantity **abstruse**: difficult to comprehend **contumacious**: stubbornly disobedient **inexorable**: not to be persuaded or moved by entreaty **immutable**: not capable of or susceptible to change **forbore**: to do without **obligatory**: binding in law or conscience **usurp**: to seize and hold

Homework questions 1. Why is it important to seek the Truth? 2. What is wrong with the way people argue against Galileo? 3. Why/how do his opponents gain support? 4. What was the Church's relationship with Copernicus during his life? 5. In what ways does Galileo express his piety as a Catholic? (provide three quotes) 6. When does the Bible speak the truth? What is the Bible meant to teach about? How and when should people use the Scriptures? 7. Galileo quotes St. Augustine throughout his letter. What is one idea he includes from St. Augustine and why? 8. How would you describe the tone of the letter? How do you think Duchess Christina received it (felt about it)?