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Despite popular conceptions to the contrary, lying, defying legal boundaries, covert developments and stealing can be valuable tools in the pursuit of new technology, as long as they provide advancements in science. In these cases, the end result can justify the means used. The vision that science follows a principled path, along with the ?scientific process? is often confused with the individual performing the task. The advancements produced by scientists can be mis-identified with the scientific approach used to gain them, because we often associate the outcome of the experiment (if it is an advancement) with a vision of an ethical and moral process used to achieve it. Society places great emphasis on science breakthroughs since many of them have historically either saved lives or prolonged them, promoted the common welfare, or advanced our level of knowledge. In Bertolt Brecht?s Galileo, the author fashions a play where the reader is caught up in the emotions of the players and events. It appears larger than life, as Galileo Galilei, professor of mathematics and lecturer of mechanics, discovers evidence that the Sun is the center of the solar system. However, on the road to this discovery, he steals credit for a basic invention he needs to perform his great experiment, puts his family in danger, almost destroys his own daughters? passion for her father?s work, and ultimately reverses his own belief system to avoid punishment by the Inquisition. In this sense, Brecht?s Galileo is an icon for my thesis. However, historically and currently, he is not alone. Galileo fundamentally stole the basic idea of the telescope, admitted it to himself, and then lied to others about its origin. The device was first seen in Holland around 1608, and in Brecht?s Galileo, Galileo says: ? And the tube has two lenses? Was it like this? (draws a sketch)?.A recent invention?? (Scene 1 p.52). He later, in Scene 2, approaches the Senate in Venice and declares: ? Members of the High Senate!
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