Galileo & the Science Deniers Into the Impossible: Mario Livio (044)

#Galileo #Astronomy #ClimateDenial
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.

0:00 - Introduction
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 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 prolific life of discovery, each step building a stronger case for the theory of Earth’s orbit around the sun. Even under house arrest, Galileo continued his experiments and even wrote and published a book in the last few years of his life. Livio’s book encourages a “Believe in Science!” attitude. In this time of turmoil when it comes to the science of climate change and a pandemic, denial can be deadly.

Buy Mario Livio’s books here:

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Please watch: "Neil DeGrasse Tyson: Plays the Race Card!"
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[DrBrianKeating]

I really enjoyed speaking with my friend Mario Livio, an international treasure!

[melissamiller]

A great interview! It's too bad we're still dealing with science deniers 400 years after Galileo, but I really look forward to reading this book and maybe learning some lessons about how to do that.

[christinestill]

Wonderful. Still ppl on YT who claim the earth is FLAT! Imagine the suspension of science that takes!