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==Abuse of academic authority==

==Abuse of academic authority==

The history of science is rife with examples of academic authority being unrelated to reality. Aristotle, for one thousand years considered the pre-eminent expert on physics, was incorrect about the [[laws of motion]]. For example, he asserted vaguely that heavy things fall faster than light things. This was true only for great differences of density (such as a feather and a sword). Galileo proved that a 2-pound cannonball and a 10-pound cannonball fall at the same rate. Moreover, Aristotle neglected [[acceleration]] due to gravity. Galileo's cannonballs both fell with greater and greater speed, the longer they were in motion.  

The history of science is rife with examples of academic authority being unrelated to reality. Aristotle, for one thousand years considered the pre-eminent expert on physics, was incorrect about the [[laws of motion]]. For example, he asserted vaguely that heavy things fall faster than light things. This is true only for great differences of density (such as a feather and a sword). Galileo proved that a 2-pound cannonball and a 10-pound cannonball fall at the same rate. Moreover, Aristotle neglected [[acceleration]] due to gravity. Galileo's cannonballs both fell with greater and greater speed, the longer they were in motion.  

The Roman Catholic Church exalted the academic authority of professors who taught that all celestial objects revolve around the earth. They were, as we know now, only correct about the [[Moon]]. Actually, the Earth and its moon (like the other planets) revolve around the [[Sun]] (see [[solar system]]).

The Roman Catholic Church exalted the academic authority of professors who taught that all celestial objects revolve around the earth. They were, as we know now, only correct about the [[Moon]]. Actually, the Earth and its moon (like the other planets) revolve around the [[Sun]] (see [[solar system]]).

[[category:academics]]

[[category:academics]]