Galileo was a scientific genius who fought a courageous battle to free man's mind from religious authority. His discoveries in astronomy and physics spearheaded the 17th-century scientific revolution, and his battle with the Church cleared the way for the Age of Reason. 

In these two lectures, Mr. Harriman discusses Galileo's career from his early acceptance of the heliocentric theory of the solar system, to the discoveries that proved the theory, to his conflict with Jesuit academies and the Holy Office, and finally to his trial and conviction on charges of heresy. The events that led to Galileo's trial span about twenty years and provide a dramatic illustration of the irreconcilable nature of reason and faith. These lectures identify Galileo's antagonists and their motives as well as the meaning of the trial's outcome and aftermath. 

Finally, Mr. Harriman explains why many 20th-century intellectuals have criticized Galileo and defended the Church. To this day, Galileo is a thorn in the side of the enemies of reason and an inspiration to us.