Life of Galileo

For this reason in the end Galileo's science and progress was handicapped by the Catholic Church and so was his ultimate goal of separating philosophy and science in which constraints would not allow a conflict to arise with the Church. All references are made with respect to Drake Stillman's book and for convenience and brevity only the pages of interest will be referenced to.
             .
             Analysis.
             Drake divides up his book as follows: Early years, conflicts with philosophers, conflicts with astronomers and theologians, the Dialogue and the Inquisition and final years. Galileo was born in Pisa, Tuscany (Italy) in 1564, the son of Florentine musician Vincenzo Galilei (inventor of modern opera). .
             Drake explains, "to understand something of Galileo's early upbringing, here is a quote from his father, Vincenzo Galileo:.
             "It appears to me that they who in proof of anything rely simply on the weight of authority, without adducing any argument in support of it, act absurdly. I, on the contrary, wish to be allowed to raise questions freely and to answer without adulation [of authorities,] as becomes those who are truly in search of the truth" (pg. 23).
             It appears to me that this to some of Galileo's times may appear insulting and blasphemous although it is clearly understandable and applicable in the present. In light of this it is evident that early on Galileo was encouraged to follow free thought and expression, and this free spirited nature would later be his undoing in my view.
             Drake starts at the beginning of Galileo's career and shows him to be a pugnacious fighter with an uncanny ability to choose words with care to reflect his sincere convictions. Drake's studies and opinions are arrived from Galileo's Italian writing and much is based on his interpretation and must be given a semblance of latitude. .
             Drake's perspective of Galileo throughout his book is of an inventor and scientist that believes reason should prevail in everything, as Drake says, "Galileo brings together the kind of knowledge that resulted from practical experience together with the kind achieved through reason.