Charity, logic, and para-clericalism

rereading Agassi on Koestler on Galileo

Maurice A. Finocchiaro

pp. 191-206

in: Nimrod Bar Am, Stefano Gattei (eds), Encouraging openness, Berlin, Springer, 2017

Abstract

This is a critical examination of Agassi's article "On Explaining the Trial of Galileo," which was a critical examination of Koestler's account. I focus partly on several of Agassi's insightful substantive theses. These involve Galileo's skill in the art of reasoning and critical thinking; his technique of strengthening opponents' arguments before criticizing them; and his efforts as a Catholic reformer. I also focus on several of Agassi's fruitful methodological approaches. These concern the principle of "charity," when interpreting actions and arguments; an emphasis on argumentation and applied logic; and the "paraclerical" approach of being both secular-minded and appreciative of religion.

Cited authors

Agassi Joseph