Italian Perspectives
The Italian cultural tradition has historically belittled the cultural, ethical, and social roles of science and technology. This is surprising given that an Italian, Galileo Galilei (1564–1642), was one of the founders of modern science, and that his Dialogues Concerning Two New Sciences (1638) praised the cultural role of technology and the philosophical importance of science. In the last half of the twentieth century, Italian appreciation of Galileo's theories increased, especially in relation to ethical discussions of science and technology, along with recognition of the philosophical importance due to technics and scientific thought.
Historical Background
Italian tradition was biased by the circumstances of Galileo's 1633 trial by the Holy Office of the Catholic Church. Despite his defense of science and technology, the trial ended with the Pisan scientist recanting his beliefs and being sentenced to house arrest for life. This condemnation long hindered the free development of scientific research and, together with the Counter-Reformation climate and Italy's difficult economic and political evolution, effectively sidelined the development of science and technology. Even though a few thinkers continued to maintain the importance of scientific knowledge and technological innovation, as a whole Italian intellectual culture became centered around literary, artistic, historical, and political activities.
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