A Policy of Non-Embarrassment

Recently I read for school Concerning The Two New Sciences by Galileo Galilei. This scientific treatise is presented by Galileo as a discussion over the course of four days between three friends: Salviati, Sagredo, and Simplicio. Salviati leads the discussion, presenting the findings of Galileo, while Simplicio spends most of his time refuting Salviati's argument. This enables Galileo to address probable objections to his work in a way that shows both friendliness and familiarity with the arguments. On the fourth day, a curious exchange takes place, which serves to remind us to avoid embarrassing those whom we engage in discourse, scientific or otherwise.

As Salviati begins to explain a new proof, he is interrupted by Sagredo. "Here Salviati, it will be necessary to stop a little while for my sake, and I believe also for the benefit of Simplicio; for it so happens that I have not gone very far in my study of Apollonius...." Salviati wonders at this: "You are quite too modest, pretending ignorance of facts which not long ago you acknowledged as well known...." Why should Sagredo pretend ignorance? One might think that Galileo employs this device in order to introduce Apollonius' work to the reader, but Galileo doesn't do that. Instead Salviati presents the work of "the Author" (Galileo), saying, "I did not happen to have at hand the books of Apollonius." In fact, Galileo's proofs are shorter, he says, so that he may save time by skipping over Apollonius' work anyway. So, why does Galileo put this exchange into a scientific treatise full of geometrical proofs?

The answer I think comes from Simplicio: "Now even though Sagredo is, as I believe, well equipped for all his needs, I do not even understand the elementary terms...." Sagredo is familiar with Apollonius, but Simplicio is not. Sagredo does not wish to embarrass his friend, however, so he claims to share his ignorance. It is evident that Galileo is showing the reader that one must be sensitive to protect the honor of his friend. Scientific discovery can be shared without humiliating the unlearned.

I sometimes forget to hold other people's honor as sacred to me as my own. In a debate, I will not notice if I have humiliated another if it means I've made my point. This fault of mine ignores the very dearness of the other person. As I post on this blog, it is likely that I will post arguments against others. As I do so, I will endeavor to look after the honor of others. One can be right about an argument, and all wrong about he treats those who either disagree with him or are merely unfamiliar with the facts. Thanks to the Homestarmy (especially Peter and Joey) for the opportunity to write here.

Source: Galileo. Concerning The Two New Sciences. Great Books of the Western World. Ed. Mortimer J. Adler.Trans. Henry Crew and Alfonso de Salvio. Chicago: Encyclopedia Brittanica, 1990. 238.