I would beg the wise and learned fathers (of the church)…
![“I would beg the wise and learned fathers (of the church) to consider with all diligence the difference which exists between matters of mere opinion and matters of demonstration. ... [I]t is not in the power of professors of the demonstrative sciences to alter their opinions at will, so as to be…” quote by Galileo Galilei](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/c92/galileo-galilei-2377_altered_i-would-beg-the-wise-and-learned-fathers_1856623.png)
“I would beg the wise and learned fathers (of the church) to consider with all diligence the difference which exists between matters of mere opinion and matters of demonstration. ... [I]t is not in the power of professors of the demonstrative sciences to alter their opinions at will, so as to be now of one way of thinking and now of another. ... [D]emonstrated conclusions about things in nature of the heavens, do not admit of being altered with the same ease as opinions to what is permissible or not, under a contract, mortgage, or bill of exchange.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Distinguish between opinion and demonstrable facts; scholars cannot arbitrarily change proven truths.
In simple terms: Facts differ from opinions.
Key Takeaway
Respect empirical evidence.
Themes
science
philosophy
epistemology
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- policy making
- education curricula
- public discourse
- scientific research
Key Concepts
empirical method
logical reasoning
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we encourage openness to new evidence?
- What barriers exist between opinion and fact?
A Different Perspective
Changing entrenched opinions can be socially difficult.