TOK: Paper one: Galileo Biography
This biography is about an Italian philosopher, astronomer, physicist and mathematician named Galileo Galilei (1564-1642); he has made life-changing contributions in the scientific fields of astronomy, motion and strength of materials (Helden, Albert Van.). His advancements in natural science has earned him the name “Father of modern science” (“Galileo.”).
The biography discusses how Galileo overturned the Aristotelian worldview by disproving the theories that came with it. His observations allowed him to debunk many of Aristotle’s original claims. For example, he disproved the idea that heavier objects fall faster, by dropping objects of different weights at the same height. Another claim he disproved was that falling objects maintain a constant speed; he did this by dropping objects at different heights.
The main first order knowledge claim that will be discussed is: Galileo refuted the Aristotelian belief, also known as the geocentric model, that all celestial objects orbit the Earth by claiming that the sun is the center of the universe and that the planets orbit around it instead of the Earth. This cosmological model was known as the Copernican heliocentric system (“The Copernican Model”).
My reason for choosing this piece comes from the idea that knowledge can be both ambiguous and factual at the same time. For example, a mathematician might find that through a complex algebraic proof, while another will use the theorem of divergence to prove it can never converge at a specific value. This topic fascinates me because of my love for puzzles; it demonstrates to me how a problem does not necessarily have exactly one solution but possibly infinite solutions that were never discovered due to their complexities.
This piece raises multiple important questions. To begin, I am interested to know if we can really trust this model of our universe: after all, the geocentric model was viewed as logical before this newer model took its place. How can we be certain this model is closer to the true nature of the universe? Is it possible that our sense perception and lack of technology is keeping us from adopting a more accurate model of the universe? An even more important question raised is: how reliable is logic?
The evidence used in Galileo’s first order knowledge claim was his discovery of the four moons orbiting Jupiter. This provided him with proof that objects in space can orbit something that is not the Earth (Helden, Albert Van.). After analyzing the craters on the moons, Galileo came to the conclusion that the sun is the center of our solar system (Helden, Albert Van.).
This piece clearly relates to the Natural Sciences as an area of knowledge and will be analyzed through knowledge framework of methodology and historical development:
Galileo used his highly advanced telescope to analyze the objects in space. His use of sense perception allowed him to collect both qualitative and quantitative data that he could then use to deduce that the heliocentric system was a more accurate model of the universe: he used reason to obtain knowledge. This relates directly to the strand in methodology “the methods employed are: hypothesis, deduction and induction — use of reason and sense perception”.
The knowledge claim relates to the historical development knowledge framework because of the huge shift of thinking that came after the change from the Aristotelian model of space to the Copernican heliocentric system.
Physicists use sense perception to collect data in order to advance science. For example, they use sight to determine whether objects fall at a similar rate. Similarly, Galileo used his senses, and technology, to observe the objects in space. Additionally, the use of reasoning is vital in accepting (or rejecting) a hypothesis: it allows us to create, confirm, or disprove knowledge. Galileo used reasoning and mathematics to conclude his findings and disprove the geocentric model.
Using the AOK and the WOKs connected to it, I have come up with my own second order knowledge claim: In all fields of sciences and mathematics, logic is not necessarily going to lead to a flawless discovery.
Now, I can derive the following knowledge question: To what extent does sense perception and reason limit what we know?
This question was derived by evaluating the possibility that we are lacking greatly in knowledge due to not being advanced enough in technology. It may currently seem like some of the scientific or mathematical discoveries we have are flawless, but that could change if someone discovers a new field that contradicts everything we know.
Sense perception and reasoning can be conducive to the acquisition of knowledge. Galileo used his sense perception (observation) to develop his knowledge claim and show that Aristotle was wrong about the geocentric model. Reason is another way of knowing that allowed Galileo to further analyze the data he was receiving. However, it is important to note that sense perception and reason was also used when Aristotle made the geocentric model. By analyzing past scientific discoveries that have been debunked, I can further explore the weaknesses with claims being made using logic and evaluate their strengths too.
My knowledge question meets the general criteria due to the fact that it can be analyzed in many different fields. The current example has Natural Science as an area of knowledge, but the knowledge question can be looked at through the Mathematics or the Human Sciences framework; it can be applied to many different real-life scenarios. The knowledge question is also open, since it is not restricted from having a variety of complex and conflicting answers. It can be argued that we have not advanced enough to know if our knowledge is correct and it can also be argued that we have advanced to the point where scientific/mathematical discoveries truly model the world we live in.
Works Cited
“Galileo.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 1 Aug. 2017, www.biography.com/people/galileo-9305220.
Helden, Albert Van. “Galileo.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 14 Feb. 2018, www.britannica.com/biography/Galileo-Galilei.
“The Copernican Model: A Sun-Centered Solar System .” The Copernican Model: A Sun-Centered Solar System, Rochester University, www.pas.rochester.edu/~blackman/ast104/copernican9.html.
