Prelude to Galileo

Exploring the intellectual landscape of the sixteenth century, William A. Wallace delves into Galileo's formative influences, emphasizing the debate between nominalism and realism that shaped modern science. This volume serves as a companion to his earlier work, revealing previously uncovered sources that highlight the complexities of scientific development. Wallace navigates the tension between continuity and discontinuity in scientific progress, aligning with notable scholars while affirming Galileo's revolutionary contributions to knowledge and reasoning.