2019 - 2020

0659-2608-01
  Galileo's Theater of Science: Brechtian Reading of History of Science                               
FACULTY OF HUMANITIES
Ido YavetzRosenberg - Jewish Studies212Wed1600-2000 Sem  2
 
 
University credit hours:  4.0

Course description

In his play "Life of Galileo" (1938), Bertolt Brecht presents an image of Galileo Galilei not only as a modern hero of his times, but also as the exemplifying of the broader meaning of the scientific revolution. On the one hand, one must ask, what in this character so fascinated Brecht, and why did he choose this particular figure? Why not Kepler or Newton? On the other hand, in what sense is Galileo relevant in times of dramatic political events (Nazism in Germany and Stalinism in Russia)? In the seminar we wish to show that behind Brecht's choice stands a critical approach to political as well scientific ones. In the seminar, we will read, alongside  Brecht’s texts, also Galileo's own writings and discuss his scientific-revolutionary project against the background of his time. Through this juxtaposition, we aim to highlight the theatricality of the "epic science" and the social-pedagogic science of the theater.

 

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