From Comparisons Between Scientists to Gaining Cultural Scientific Knowledge: Leonardo and Galileo

Physics textbooks often present disciplinary knowledge in the sequential order of topics under instruction. Such presentation is usually univocal, that is, isolated from alternative claims and contributions regarding the subject matter in the pertinent scientific discourse. Here, I argue that comparing and contrasting the contributions of scientists addressing the same or similar subjects would not only enrich the picture of scientific enterprise but also be especially appealing to the learner seeking genuine understanding of the concept considered. This approach draws on the historical tradition from Plutarch in the distant past to Koyré in the recent history and philosophy of science. It gains new support in seeking cultural content knowledge of the subject matter. Here, we address two prominent individuals of the Italian Renaissance, Leonardo and Galileo, in their dealing with the issues relevant to introductory science courses. Although both figures addressed similar subjects of scientific content, their products were essentially different. Considering this difference is educationally beneficial, illustrating the meaning of what students presently learn in mechanics, optics, and astronomy and what they perceive with regard to the nature of science and scientific knowledge.