When looking toward the Baroque period in search of what has influenced modern society, nothing is more prominent to me than the works of Galileo Galilee. He arguably laid the foundation for nearly all aspects of modern technology. Technology that is attributed to the advancement, success, and destruction that is common place in current time. Galileo expanded on the work of Copernicus, as well as his own theory also paved the way for future allowance of discovery. Though it was beyond his life he opened the door to open discussion, by showing the faults of religious fears over science.
Galileo provided evidence based support for the revamping of the earth centered universe theory. Prior to his improvement and use of the telescope for astrology, it was merely quiet speculation that we revolved around the sun. Utilizing the improved technology he was able to draw scientific, fact based conclusions to the theories provided by Copernicus. By establishing the theory that the the earth revolves around the sun as fact versus speculation, society was in for major changes. Modern man's ability to travel into space for scientific, and exploration purpose could be traced back to when Galileo put pen to paper behind his telescope. Modern society has achieved what seemed impossible to even a science accepting civilization. We have put men on the moon, our every day lives would slow to a halt if not for the convenience that orbiting satellites provide. Now we have expanded our reaches far beyond the moon to the planet Mars. None of these things would have been possible without the fore thinking and scientific movement of Galileo Galilee. The current understanding of the universe and our physical place in it has been instrumental in our technology advancement of the last one hundred years. It is undeniable to look at current society and not be overwhelmed by the impact of Galileo work as an astrologist.
Galileo built the frame work for modern warfare through his works in physics. By challenging accepted theories in physics he established a refreshed and accurate description of what was happening rather than why. Even while utilizing the most crude of measuring devices he was able to create and recreate scientific, fact based results. Galileo's development of his physics theories allowed for a true understanding of objects in motion. This can be directly translated into the use of projectile weapons, both small and large scale. By understanding actual measurable results of an object placed into motion, we can accurately predict it's terminal point. This advancement can be correlated to the use of the strategic and pinpoint accurate use of modern missile weapons. Strangely enough, these weapons also rely heavily on the the use a satellite guiding and operating system.
The importance of technology advancement in relation to the works of Galileo can only be trumped by the social movement he created. His condemnation by the church for his support of Copernicus's theories, would pave the way for a scientific awakening in societies to come. His dedication to science and fact based conclusions has given us the scientific acceptance we see and utilize today. Our constant push for truth, example, and evidence are a result of the methods devised, and adhered to by Galileo. His work and ultimate condemnation also led to the modern balance of religion and science, though not always in agreement, science is not suppressed. A society of open thought, indisputable fact, and an explorative nature can all be attributed to Galileo Galilee.
