Galileo & the Science Deniers with Mario Livio (#044)

   Mario Livio is a renowned astrophysicist &
best-selling author. His new book “Galileo and the Science Deniers”
is the gripping first biography of Galileo Galilei written by an
astronomer. Though Galileo’s quest to prove that Earth orbits the
sun was correct, he eventually recanted his belief as punishment
for heresy. Livio describes parallels to our modern world where,
even 400 years later, some people assail science when it conflicts
with their ideology. Show notes and resources are available
here.  An interview with Dr. Livio and Steve Mirsky on
Scientific American’s “Science Talk’ podcast is available here.
 His research into whether Galileo actually said “And yet it
moves!” is here.  00:05:37 Galileo’s quest for intellectual
freedom wasn’t an attack on religion. 00:12:15 Telescopes are tools
that allow augmented senses. 00:15:44 The importance of Galileo’s
discoveries supporting Copernicanism. 00:20:48 Why ideological bias
does a disservice to both science and religion. 00:25:51 Galileo
was only human — some of his findings were wrong. 00:32:30 Denying
science can be dangerous and even deadly. 00:39:15 Did an
unconvincing preface lead to Galileo’s arrest? 00:44:12 Do
authority figures have an obligation to keep the peace? 00:49:39
Why Galileo was sentenced to house arrest instead of prison.
00:54:43 What was Galileo like as a father? 01:01:12 Teaching ‘the
controversy’ can liven up science lessons. 01:06:33 Lessons from
Galileo for the COVID-19 pandemic. 01:10:44 5 questions INTO THE
IMPOSSIBLE asks all authors. Livio is now retired from the Space
Telescope Science Institute, which operates the Hubble Space
Telescope. He is a Fellow at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science (AAAS) and has published over 400 articles,
both in peer-reviewed scientific journals and popular science
magazines: www.mario-livio.com/articles Livio is also Science
Advisor to the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, collaborating on the
world’s first VR music experience, The Hubble Cantata. In this
discussion with Dr. Brian Keating, Livio recounts Galileo’s
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