Reflection: How the Trial Went

HIS 4B's Galileo Trials happened on March 14, 2015, and it went well. There were a variety of costumes, ranging from togas, cat accessories, lab coats, and even one student who adorned his body with several bike locks (his character was John Locke, or "Lock" as he was hinting at). My group, the pre-1543 scientists, had our own set of costumes to represent our historical individuals: togas and homemade parts to represent the Greek scientists (e.g. Plato, Aristotle, Ptolemy), a red-themed attire to represent Dr. Faust, etc. My costume (to represent alchemist Nicolas Flamel) consisted of a green shirt ("Nicholas Flamel" from the the Harry Potter series wore green), a "Philosopher's Stone" (I used an orange highlighter on a regular stone), and a graduation gown to emphasize my scholarly background.

The "trial" itself was quite energetic and informative. Group by group, each student introduced their historical individuals (while in character), stating their individuals' importance and their stance either for or against Galileo. The Catholics, since their religious ideas and practices conflicted with the beliefs of most of the historical individuals present in this class trial and that it was also their adherence to geocentrism that brought Galileo into the trials in the first place, received the harshest criticisms. The aristocrats/nobles received the second most backlash. It was after introductions that the trial became more free-form.  Students representing more prominent individuals (the ones with more political, economic, religious, or intellectual influences) were the most adamant in fortifying their positions and belittling contrary positions. From what I recall, the heaviest speakers and targets were Pope Leo X, John Locke, King Louis XIV of France, Galileo himself, and a couple more. Most leaned towards freeing Galileo. Since the Catholics were the primary opponents who were in favor of condemning Galileo, they held the most prominent speaking positions. The groups that fervently opposed the Catholics - the Protestants, the scientists (both pre-1543 and post-1543), and the philosophers - were both successful in critiquing the Catholics and bringing to light their own agendas (pushing for secular, religious, and scientific reforms). Putting seriousness aside, there were many hilarious moments that was the fault of the antics of the students rather than of the their characters. Putting students in boxes, using awkward slogan phrases, and prowling the classroom like a cat are activities that would not have occurred in the actual trial, but they were elements that brought enjoyment to the classroom. Ultimately, Galileo was not condemned and that progressive ideas had won out.