Who Is the Father of Science: Galileo or Aristotle?

The scientific method is a set of rules that help us analyze and understand the world we live in. It’s a set of steps that allow us to find new knowledge about the world around us.

But who is the Father of Science: Galileo or Aristotle?

Let’s dig a little deeper and discuss who is the father of modern science.

Who Is The Father Of Science?

You may be wondering what exactly the term father of science means, so let’s break it down. 

Many wise men and women have come and gone during the history of the world, but only a few have made discoveries and portrayed ideas that will be remembered all through time. People who are considered father figures within the science world are those who have made significant contributions to the representation of their field. 

There are theories out there about who the real father of science is, with many different male role models coming into question. But when it boils down to the truth there is really only one question to be asked, Galileo or Aristotle?

Galileo Galilei – The Father Of Science?

Galileo is considered to have made some of the greatest achievements that any scientist could ever make. His studies on motion, measurement, and the stars, as well as a tendency to question authority, allowed him to make history. 

In fact, Albert Einstein himself even referred to Galileo as ‘the father of modern physics, indeed, of modern science altogether’. In the 16th century, this was considered to be a truly great compliment and one which truly raised the bar for anyone scientist that came after him. 

Early life 

Galileo was born on February 15, 1564, in Pisa, Italy. His parents, Vincenzo and Giulia Galilei were both from noble families however they got by on what little his dad made playing as a lute player and music teacher. Despite their finical struggles, his dad wanted his son to receive the best possible education. 

Studies 

Galileo studied medicine to please his fathers’ wishes at the University of Pisa from 1581 to 1585 but left without a degree due to his lack of interest in the field. This meant he had to return to Florence where he began tutoring mathematics. Galileo then went back to the University of Pisa in 1589 and moved to the University of Padua in 1592 to teach geometry, mechanics, and astronomy.

Career and scientific discoveries 

At the beginning of his career, Galileo was taught the accepted astronomical theory of the time. This belief involved the fact that the Sun, stars, and all the planets revolved around the Earth. 

At the time this was the geocentric model of the Universe and was believed by the Catholic Church since Ptolemy and Aristotle more than a thousand years before.

However, during his studies and observations at the University of Padua, he discovered that the moon, Earth and all other planets actually revolve around the Sun. This led him to believe in Nicolaus Copernicus heliocentric theory. 

In 1609 he aimed his telescope at the skies and spotted moons orbiting Jupiter. He began to observe the periodic movements of these moons and whilst doing so, discovered that the constellation Orion, which was believed to be made up of nine stars actually contained at least 80 more.

The inquisition within the catholic church banned the teaching of Copernican theories and therefore charged Galileo with heresy. To avoid execution he was forced to reject Copernicus and all his ideas and was placed on house arrest for the remainder of his life. Galileo died on January 8, 1642, at age 78. 

Who Is The Father Of Modern Science?

Believed to be the first-ever scientist, Aristotle pioneered the techniques of logic, observation, inquiry and demonstration. For these reasons, he is considered by many to be the father of modern science. 

He is one of the greatest Greek philosophers and throughout his time period in 384-322 B.C. he made significant contributions that have shaped life as we know it today. His writings cover many subjects including physics, biology, zoology, ethics, music, meteorology, geology and many other subject areas. 

Aristotle is considered the one who developed the scientific method and conduct empirical studies, which are the cornerstone of modern science across the globe.

Both Galileo and Aristotle made remarkable discoveries within their lifetime. It is their studies on which future physicists, chemists and mathematicians built up to gain a better understanding of how the world works.

This has all ultimately led us to the technology and knowledge we have and know today, all of which is possible thanks to the fathers of science.