Galileo (1564-1642) and Kepler (1571-1630): the modern scientist and the mystic

TL;DR

This paper explores the contrasting roles of Galileo and Kepler in the history of science, highlighting Galileo's modern scientific approach and Kepler's mystic inclinations, and discusses their influence on scientific identity and perception.

Contribution

It provides a comparative analysis of Galileo's and Kepler's scientific philosophies, emphasizing the interplay between rationalism and mysticism in their work and legacy.

Findings

Galileo exemplifies the modern scientific approach.

Kepler's mystic ideas influenced scientific thought.

The perception of scientists varies between rationalist and mystic archetypes.

Abstract

The art of advertising one's scientific achievements, of which Galileo was an early master, is a trademark of successful modern science. Dedicated believers and mystics of science, such as Kepler, are less popular. Yet, an alleged rigorous rationalist like Wolfgang Pauli found in his later troubled life a kinship to Kepler's "archetypal ideas".