Quiz 3: Scientific Evolution

Question 1

In The Assayer, how does Galileo explain the sensation of sound, and how does this serve as an example of his broader metaphysics?

Answer 1

Galileo describes sounds as waves caused by the motion of particles. This supports his broader metaphysics of math and experimentation.

Question 2

What is Galileo’s understanding of reality compared to Aquinas/Aristotelians?

Answer 2

-Galileo believed math could explain reality and nature.
-Aquinas/Aristotelians believed realism rooted in Gods existence along with natural law and morality.

Question 3

Explain Descartes’ use of the camera obscura as a metaphor.

Answer 3

Dark room with tiny hole of light shining in = human eye/pov

Question 4

What does Descartes learn, from his skeptical arguments, about the true nature of his self?

Answer 4

Descartes = “I think, therefor I am.” Our minds have inherent capacity to grasp eternal truths.

Question 5

What is direct realism?

Answer 5

The idea that our perception of the world is equal to reality.

Question 6

In light of what Galileo saw with the telescope, why does it make sense for him to challenge direct realism?

Answer 6

imperfections on the moon and other planets showed that they weren’t perfect spheres like people once thought. made him think what else might we be perceiving wrong.

Question 7

What is Descartes trying to show with the melting wax example?

Answer 7

Humans can tell that melted wax and solid wax are both wax. Animals can’t.

Question 8

Which sense did Galileo admit to not understanding?

Answer 8

vision