Reading questions for Sobel, Galileo's Daughter, pages 242-254 and 270-281

1. Why did the Inquisition pay so much attention to Galileo's visit to Rome in 1616? What was Galileo's account of this meeting, and how does that account differ from the Holy Office's account of the meeting? (244-254)

2. Based on your reading of Galileo's preface and dedication to the Dialogues, do you find his answers to the Inquisition consistent with his intent in publishing his book?

3. What does Sobel mean when she speaks of the "agony of his [Galileo's] position" on page 253?

4. What was the verdict of the Church? How did Galileo respond? (pages 274-276)

5. Does the letter from Galileo's daughter (278-279) help you think about how Galileo might have made some sense out of this state of affairs? Do you think Galileo perceived a split between science and religion?