Metodo

International Studies in Phenomenology and Philosophy

Series | Book | Chapter

197184

Charity, logic, and para-clericalism

rereading Agassi on Koestler on Galileo

Maurice A. Finocchiaro

pp. 191-206

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.

Publication details

Published in:

Bar Am Nimrod, Gattei Stefano (2017) Encouraging openness: essays for Joseph Agassi on the occasion of his 90th birthday. Dordrecht, Springer.

Pages: 191-206

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-57669-5_15

Full citation:

Finocchiaro Maurice A. (2017) „Charity, logic, and para-clericalism: rereading Agassi on Koestler on Galileo“, In: N. Bar Am & S. Gattei (eds.), Encouraging openness, Dordrecht, Springer, 191–206.