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This is a critical examination of Agassi's article "On Explaining the Trial of Galileo," which was a critical examination of Koestler's account. I focus partly on several of Agassi's insightful substantive theses. These involve Galileo's skill in the art of reasoning and critical thinking; his technique of strengthening opponents' arguments before criticizing them; and his efforts as a Catholic reformer. I also focus on several of Agassi's fruitful methodological approaches. These concern the principle of "charity," when interpreting actions and arguments; an emphasis on argumentation and applied logic; and the "paraclerical" approach of being both secular-minded and appreciative of religion.

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-57669-5_15

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