26 pages • 52 minutes read
Letter to the Grand Duchess Christina
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Essay Topics
Galileo argues that science and religion are compatible ways of viewing the world. How does this belief relate to debates happening in our world today? What might Galileo say about them?
What are the rhetorical differences between writing a letter and writing an essay? How does Galileo use elements of both letters and essays in his “Letter to the Grand Duchess Christina”?
How important are Galileo’s scientific discoveries to this letter? How much time does he spend discussing them, and why?
How does Galileo’s discussion of the Bible relate to how we read works of literature? How are they similar, and how are they different?
Do you think the letter is effective? Why or why not?
Galileo argues that there are different ways of arriving at the truth. What does this mean to you, and what different ways can you think of?
Galileo relies on precedent and the words of people before him. How does he treat those people, and why does he rely on them?
Why does Galileo take such pains to make a distinction between the authority of the church and faith in the Bible?
What biases does Galileo show in his letter? How do they affect his argument?
Galileo assumes a Catholic audience for this letter. How does this letter appear to a non-Catholic, or non-Christian, audience?
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