An inconvenient truth – Galileo's Mistake: The Archaeology of a Myth by Wade Rowland

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critique the book Galileo's Mistake: The Archaeology of a Myth by Wade Rowland; providing additional insights into the subject of the work and trial of Galileo Galilei in the seventeenth century and its relevance to the modern world.

Design/methodology/approach

The case of Galileo is presented as a case study in modern change management.

Findings

The story of Galileo as passed down to us through the centuries has become mythologized and distorted as an example of a clash between religion and science. The facts as they are presented by the author reinforce this myth by applying modern arguments about the relative scope, practice and meaning of both science and religion in a situation where such arguments could not have been applied and were not relevant. Careful consideration of the wider global context reveals more plausible dimensions to the story.

Practical implications

The Galileo case study is a useful vehicle for teaching concepts about truth, knowledge, complexity theory and the potential and reasons for resistance to new ideas.

Originality/value

The paper aims to teach the importance of critically examining facts as they are presented, in terms of both content and context; of considering the wider, global implications and the motivations, strengths and weaknesses of the various players involved in any situation.

Citation

Martin, C. (2007), "An inconvenient truth – Galileo's Mistake: The Archaeology of a Myth by Wade Rowland", On the Horizon, Vol. 15 No. 4, pp. 256-264. https://doi.org/10.1108/10748120710836282